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Lawson's view of Lawson

4th November 2004
Page 13
Page 13, 4th November 2004 — Lawson's view of Lawson
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Richard Lawson is not interested in buying the remnants of his old company — but he may not be leaving the industry for good. Dominic Perry reports.

RICHARD LAWSON, the founder and former boss of troubled car transporter firm Richard Lawson Autologistics, says he is not ruling out a return to the industry at some point.

However, Lawson, who started the business with one truck in the small Tayside town of Kirriemuir, has ruled out buying up the remnants of his former business after it was placed into administration by owners Wallenius Wilhelmsen (CM 23 September).

"That's not the case at this point in time," he explains, "although from a personal perspective I think there are still some great opportunities in this sector and I could have an interest in returning, although I'd have to be sure of market conditions beforehand!"

Lawson was employed by the parent company until September and had been involved in an earlier project which was designed to restructure the Autologistics part of the operation in 2003. This, he says, "took significant costs out of the business".

He adds that he is disappointed to see the firm's fall from grace: "It's a shame that such a good company suffered from the market conditions in the way it has. But it's a Europe-wide concern across the sector that it is being asked to reduce costs in a supply chain which has become more complex and costly.

Numerous rival operators are rumoured to be interesting in snapping up the iirm — so far companies such as ECM, OnTime and Walon. part of car transport giant Autologic, have all been linked with it.

However, administrator Bruce Cartwright is remaining tightlipped over its possible suitors.

"We are continuing our discussions with people interested in investing in the business and we have a shortlist of preferred parties," he reports. "Our customers have been entirely supportive and we hope to be in a position to be clearer in the coming days."


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