Pallet-Track has purchased Redhill-based Horley Road Services.

The fourth generation business, which was a Palletforce member until a year ago, will cover the CR postcode area for the network.

All existing members of staff are in the process of being transferred to Pallet-Track.

Pallet-Track founder Nigel Parkes said that the move was one-off, and not the beginning of an acquisition strategy.

The company was for sale, he told Motortransport.co.uk, because owner Iain Mays was looking to retire, and the opportunity was “too good to miss”.

"It provides a continuation of the business and a future for the staff, many of which have been there for some time," Parkes added.

The acquisition of Horley Road Services will help the network strengthen its presence in the South East, where it has 10 other members.

Previously ELB Partners and Pallet Track Logistics (the network's Brighton-based owned depot) were covering the CR postcode and both have now relinquished it to Horley Road Services.

Kevin Light, logistics manager at Pallet Track Logistics, has taken on responsibility for Horley Road Services too.