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Wincanton’s £25m capture of Hanbury Davies has been given a mixed reception by analysts. Mark O’Bornick, research director at Analytiqa, describes the deal as “interesting”. He adds: “[Consolidation] is something we have been expecting for a long time in this sector. “It now gives  Wincanton a dock-to-door capability and positions them against DHL in UK container logistics.”

He says that although Hanbury Davies had a good reputation in the sector, Wincanton can add a better understanding of the entire supply chain to its operation.

However, Thomas Cullen, chief analyst at Transport Intelligence is less positive about the deal. “I can see why Wincanton is doing it as it allows it to offer a full service to its customers. However it leaves it over-exposed to one of the most unprofitable sectors in the market. “It’s a very competitive sector –  virtually to the extent of being uneconomical.”

He says the increasing dominance of freight forwarders in the container shipping market is serving to drive down prices.”

He says that although the UK has been Wincanton’s focus of late, he expects that may change: “The UK has clearly been a priority for the company, but I can’t see it not strengthening its Continental European business.” Cullen also points to UK firms Gist and NFT Distribution as being potential future takeover targets.