Transport and logistics company, DFDS, has agreed to acquire McBurney Transport Group, a Northern Ireland carrier.
The deal is reported to be priced at 1.2 billion DKK (approx. €161.3 million).
With the acquisition of McBurney Transport Group, DFDS will expand its network in the UK and Ireland and connect services to Europe and Turkey, in which DFDS operates.
McBurney Transport Group is based in Northern Ireland with over 800 employees and serves high-street retailers, supermarkets and food producers with temperature-controlled and ambient warehouses and multiple strategically located depots in the UK and Ireland. The Group operates a fleet of around 400 trucks and 1360 trailers, including 955 refrigerated trailers.
“DFDS is dedicated to serving the UK and Irish markets with reliable and efficient transport and logistics services,” said DFDS CEO, Torben Carlsen.
“With increasing importance, we connect our UK and Irish services with the rest of Europe through our extensive network. With the acquisition of the McBurney Transport Group, we enhance the scope of our customer offerings, particularly towards the resilient food sector.”
Norman McBurney OBE, the founder of McBurney Transport Group, said: “By becoming part of DFDS, we gain access to new development opportunities. I am certain the wider market coverage, including access to DFDS’ extensive transport network, will benefit our many longstanding customers. I am confident that our many loyal and dedicated employees will be comfortable and happy after this transaction.”
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval. Once approved, the McBurney Transport Group will integrate with DFDS cold chain UK & Ireland.
This deal is aligned with DFDS’ strategy of growing solutions within cold chain logistics. The acquisition also develops and expands DFDS’ transport network that is focused on moving goods in trailers by road, rail and ferry.
McBurney will become part of the Logistics Division’s Cold Chain business unit. The integration of McBurney is expected to generate synergies. Expected synergies and an integration plan will be disclosed in connection with the closing of the transaction.
In other news, Gebrüder Weiss has taken over Rentschler Transport + Logistik which is based in Altensteig, Baden-Württemberg.