Cheshire-based haulier James Irlam has declined to comment on a report that it is embarking on a £30m acquisition drive. The Manchester Evening News claims that the family-owned firm is looking at the south-west and east of England and Scotland for its expansion and has appointed accountants Grant Thornton to find potential targets.
It is understood that chief executive David Irlam, whose
father James established the business after the Second World War, believes the firm has a strong presence through the middle of the country but has scope to expand into the outlying regions. James Irlam currently employs more than 450 drivers out of a total workforce of 600; it operates a fleet of 350 trucks.
In its latest published annual results the company reported an annual turnover of £37.4m, with pre-tax profits of £240,402. It operates from a network of nine depots, with its headquarters in Chelford, Cheshire. Buying two or three smaller businesses would boost the number of vehicles operated Irlam to 400, according to the Manchester Evening News report.
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