France Line MD completes MBO

Marie Boyer, who originally joined France Line International Transport during her university placement year in 1996, has completed the purchase of the 36 years old Manchester company for an undisclosed sum. France Line specialises in cross channel freight between the UK and France, handling full and part trailer loads including dry and ambient food, industrial cargo, machinery, printed matter, packed chemicals, building materials, plastics, retailer and houseware goods, for English and European manufacturers and logistics companies

Boyer, who has been managing director of the freight forwarder since 2010, has overseen a consistent increase in turnover, profit and staff numbers. She is a committee member of the Women in Logistics Network and was recently voted Transport Woman of the Year at Jo Cameron’s Network of Aspiring Women Awards.

“I was living in France studying at Clermont-Ferrand University and, as part of my degree in International Trade with Spanish and English, I had to do a placement abroad,” said Boyer. “I was looking for a first job in exports, so when the France Line opportunity in Manchester came up, it seemed perfect.”


Following an initial four-month placement, Boyer was offered a permanent position and she rose through the ranks from trader/planner to operations team leader. Boyer then returned for a permanent role in 2008 as branch manager and took on the managing director role in 2010.

Boyer said: “I am delighted with the MBO. I love the business and the timing felt right. There will be no change for our customers or staff – I will retain my role as managing director and I’ll be surrounded by the same team.

“We’ve had some great support from The Business Growth hub in Manchester, and from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Now the MBO is complete, I intend to carry on growing the company and will be developing new services to other European countries.”