Ducros takes Tuffnells stake
Page 16
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• French parcels operator Ducros Services Rapides has bought a 50% interest in Tuffnells Parcels Express, part of the Transport Development Group, for an undisclosed sum.
The move is part of Ducros' energetic drive to establish a European-wide express parcels network, with Tuffnells acting as the UK base.
Ducros plans to have its European delivery service up and running "in the first six months of 1991", according to Tuffnells' managing director Paul Gregory. Ducros has recently bought parcels businesses in Germany, Switzerland and Holland.
Gregory described the deal as "a very positive develop
ment for Tuffnells", which "had a struggle in 1989" according to TDG chairman Sir James Duncan.
Ducros plans to establish a computerised network for Tuffnells' 15 UK depots, which will be compatible with the other European firms. Tuffnells currently employs 900 staff and runs 500 vehicles; Gregory says Ducros' plans may mean taking on additional staff.
Ducros' company secretary Patrique Heaume says that Ducros' intention is "to build together with our European partners a network of the same high quality that we run in France". The company operates around 1,000 trucks and employs some 2,000 staff.