NFC shows interest in Bullens
Page 12
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• NFC is understood to be interested in acquiring Bullens, the Wincanton Distribution Services removals subsidiary.
Bullens had a poor year's trading up to March this year, when Wincanton announced disappointing results.
Unigate director Ross Buckland stated in the summer that Wincanton would focus on "food and related distribution", Bullens is about fifth in the removals market, with 12 depots.
It specialises in office r6movals and in contract distri bution for computer companies. It also owns a crate hire business, GB Crate Hire, which rents out crates for packaging office goods.
If NFC, which is known to be wanting to expand its removals business, buys the company, some of its operations could be merged with NFC's massive removals business Pickfords.
Bullens is one of five remaining WDS divisions. The others are: a distribution division, including chilled distribution; a transport division, which includes its tanker division; a milk delivery company; and WVM, an HGV rental company.
Arlington Motor Holdings, which also performed badly last year, was removed from the Wincanton banner in June. It now reports direct to Unigate directors.
Neither Bullens nor NFC management will comment on the possible acquisition.
Surrey-based removals firm Burton & Smith is planning to expand its recent acquisition Alfred Bishop & Son of London.
Last month the Hackbridgebased international remover saved 157-year-old Alfred Bishop from the receiver, taking on its 12 staff, London Dockland depot and three of its trucks.
The two companies, which will retain their trading names, now have a combined turnover of Z3m, 60 staff, and 16 trucks.
Former Alfred Bishop managing director Peter Baillie will continue to head the Dockland site, which is being expanded to take up to 30 staff in the next 12 months.