Culina seeks fresh growth after deal
The takeover of a major logistics company by Shropshire-based Culina will allow the group to "significantly" increase its share of a key market, the company has said.
It was announced last week that Market Drayton-based Culina was to acquire Great Bear Distribution Limited, which is based at Tattenhall, between Whitchurch and Chester.
Now Culina says the move could allow both of the businesses to achieve further growth, leading in turn to new jobs at its headquarters on the Tern Valley Business Park.
"Both Culina Ambient – which is part of the Culina Group – and Great Bear are extremely complimentary businesses with great reputations," said Culina managing director Thomas van Mourik.
"The acquisition is an entirely positive move for both businesses and will enable Culina Group to significantly increase its market share in the ambient logistics sector.
"In terms of how the two businesses will compliment each other, Great Bear will receive the support and backing of Culina Group yet will continue to retain its brand identity and operate as Great Bear. The acquisition will significantly increase the number of Culina Group depots to 50 from 18 and will bring on board a number of fantastic new clients."
The move, which turns Culina into a £400 million turnover company, could lead to further opportunities for workers in Market Drayton, the company's founder added.
At present, Culina has 370 staff at its base in the north Shropshire town, as part of an overall workforce of 5,000 following the Great Bear acquisition. It has 7.5 million sq ft of warehousing, and the companies now have a combined fleet of more than 600 vehicles.
"In the short term it will be business as usual as both Culina Group and Great Bear are companies that are performing well," Mr van Mourik said.
"As the group continues to grow there may be employment opportunities created at our HQ in Market Drayton but at the moment it is too early to comment."
He added: "Culina Group is always open to growth by acquisition as long as it comes at the right time and is a good fit.
"Both Culina Group and Great Bear are companies that perform extremely well and by joining forces we envisage that both businesses will continue to grow.
"The ambient marketplace is competitive but there is always room to increase market share."
