News

Stobart Group has acquired road transport and logistics business Irlam Group for £59.9m to strengthen its position in the transport and logistics industry. Andrew Tinkler, CEO of the Stobart Group, says: "To me this is about growth. We're taking out empty miles from the industry."

David Irlam, son of founder James Irlam and a current Irlam shareholder, will join the Stobart  Group board. He says: "Both companies are very similar. With what Stobart has to offer this is a win-win situation for everybody. "The Irlam brand will still be around it's just coming under a bigger umbrella." Tinkler outlines the opportunities: "Now we will be able to offer intermodal transport to Irlam customers. We do have plans to grow the business. Both businesses have had strong growth recently."

Stobart Group has also bought transport infrastructure engineering specialist WA Developments for £10m and entered into an optional agreement for the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Carlisle Airport, which owns a site with 460 acres of development land. Stobart proposes to develop this as a new logistics centre.

In its regulatory announcement the group outlines its strategy: "The enlarged group intends to invest in its port and rail interests to create an intermodal port facility with road, rail, sea and inland waterway access capable of handling significant  cargo volumes and linked to the existing haulage network. "The enlarged group expects to further develop its offering in Europe and places particular emphasis on exploring new opportunities with both new and existing customers."