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Leeds-based logistics firm Clipper marches into Germany
LEEDS businessman Steve Parkin's Clipper Logistics Group has boosted its presence in continental Europe through the acquisition of the trade, assets and distribution operations of the Bestaendig Group in Germany.
Mr Parkin, chief executive of the Clipper group, has described the deal as "merely the start" of significant expansion plans in Europe, which would be enhanced by further strategic acquisitions.
He said: "The European market is posed for significant growth in e-retailing, and our experience in the UK will allow us to effectively capitalise on those opportunities."
Clipper has seen significant organic growth in its UK operations, with an average annual growth rate of over 15 per cent over the last seven years and a number of strategic acquisitions in the UK have taken group revenue to over 200m.
The business operates from 22 sites across the country, servicing the needs of a range of retail and industrial businesses, including many household brand names such as New Look, Harvey Nichols, John Lewis and Morrisons.
It conducted a rebranding exercise earlier this year and says that this, coupled with an ongoing business development programme, had resulted in an "exceptionally strong business pipeline".
Recent new contract wins with major supermarkets will add over 20m to annualised revenues over the coming months.
Clipper's acquisition of the Bestaendig Group enables the business to provide a pan-European offering, with the ability to service markets in Germany, France, Austria, Spain, the Benelux countries and Poland.
The Bestaendig Group currently provides logistics services to a range of blue chip clients in Germany, predominantly in the retail sector. It recently ran into short-term difficulties which resulted in a brief period of administration.
Under Clipper, it will trade initially from six sites across Germany as Clipper Bestaendig Logistics GmbH.
Mr Parkin added: "The acquisition provides us with the capability to service the needs of both pan-European organisations and our existing UK client base who have plans to expand into Europe.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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