Bowker buys Potter Group logistics operations

W H Bowker is acquiring the warehousing and transport operations at five sites belonging to Potter Logistics for an undisclosed sum.

The operations are located at Droitwich, Knowsley, Ripon, Selby and York.

WH Bowker has logistics sites in Preston and Hull. In 2015, the group had a turnover of £181.8 million. The acquisition expands its operations in specialist chemicals logistics, healthcare and food warehousing and distribution.

As a result of the acquisition, it will operate a road transport fleet of more than 200 trucks, in excess of 450 trailers, and over 1,000,000 square feet of warehousing, employing more than 750 people within its Group.

Potter Group (Holdings) Plc will become a property investment company focusing on the development of its extensive land assets. Potter Group was founded in 1965 as Topcliffe Transport.

Bill Bowker, director of W H Bowker, said: “Derrick Potter, his management team and staff have built industry-wide respect for their logistics expertise and the company provides an excellent fit with our expansion strategy. Both businesses are committed to a long term working relationship supporting and growing customer operations, while ensuring a smooth transition for all customers to the new commercial arrangement.”

Potter chairman Derrick Potter said: “A key priority in recent years has been to look to the future of our excellent staff, as well as that of our customers, not simply at the legacy that we have built. We are confident that the Bowker family shares the same cultural ethos that will continue to deliver the same quality of care and to grow the business for the benefit of all concerned. We look forward to a fruitful long term partnership with them.”