Shakespeare FullForce Matthew Kibble trucks_v0.3

Matthew Kibble Transport has bought Coventry-based Fullforce Logistics.

This latest acquisition, which follows the purchase of Kent-based Shakespeare Transport in March 2015, sees the Lancashire haulier broaden its geographical reach and gain a new Midlands operating base.

It said further acquisitions are on the cards.

Under the terms of the sale, former Fullforce owners Pat Pugh and Mick Dowling will continue to work in the business.

The acquisition results in Pallet-Track member Matthew Kibble Transport adding another Palletforce member to the group, with Shakespeare Transport already a member of the network.

Matthew Kibble Transport MD Matthew Kibble said: “We’ve been planning an expansion into the Midlands for some time, so I’m delighted to acquire a quality business such as Fullforce. Both Pat and Mick will continue to be involved and we’ve already started to integrate the company within our group by rolling out a new powerful logo aligned with the group branding.

“We will develop Fullforce and have already planned investment, with seven new vehicles and six new trailers ordered to replace some of the 17 vehicles on the fleet.

"Our group has strong management in place to help meet our expansion plans. Not having a Midlands base has restricted us in the past, but the strategy now is to push ahead and that means further acquisitions are likely.”

The deal means the group has, collectively, O-licences authorising up to 99 HGVs and more than 125 trailers.