Culina acquisition of Stobart creates £2.2bn business
5th July 2021
Culina Group, a market-leading provider of shared-user FMCG logistics services, has acquired GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions, the parent company of Eddie Stobart.
In addition to Eddie Stobart, GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions comprises Eddie Stobart Europe, iForce, The Pallet Network, and The Logistics People.
With an overall turnover of more than £2.2bn, a combined workforce of around 22,000 staff, approaching 20 million sq ft of warehousing and a joint fleet of more than 5,500 vehicles, Culina Group says it has significantly strengthened its market-leading position in the FMCG Logistics Sector with this acquisition.
GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions will benefit from private ownership with protection of its brands for years to come. The move will also provide job retention, investment, and will bring an entrepreneurial spirit.
“GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions and Culina Group are complementary businesses, two very strong organisations with great reputations in the industry and with similar cultures,” said Thomas van Mourik, Culina Group CEO. “This is an excellent fit which is going to be fantastic for both our staff and for our clients, whilst making Culina Group the largest FMCG logistics provider in the UK.
“It goes without saying that we are acquiring some excellent contracts, facilities and people. This move significantly expands our ambient network and will enable us to benefit from synergies and efficiencies that will improve our service offer to customers even further.”
The acquisition extends the existing Culina Group network to over 100 strategically located distribution centres in the UK following the addition of the 40+ facilities operated by GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions. Culina Group says it is now the largest privately owned logistics provider in the UK and a business that is undisputed in terms of service.
“Culina Group recognises that it is investing in a highly successful business with its own great family spirit,” said William Stobart, GreenWhiteStar Executive Chairman. “Culina Group’s aim now is to support our growth trajectory with the added workforce infrastructure and resources of the overall Group. The GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions Board are extremely pleased to take the group businesses back to private ownership. The combining of our two businesses will create major opportunities for significantly growing our market share.”
William Stobart will take a seat on the Culina Group Board for the long term as Deputy Group CEO. Culina says the primary aim is to ensure that all current and prospective customers continue to benefit from market-leading levels of service.