Meachers Acquires AFS Haulage (1)

Meachers Global Logistics has acquired fellow Hampshire operator AFS Haulage in a move that it believes will boost its international transport services.

The deal, which was finalised today (8 March) was given the green light by AFS Haulage’s MD, Andy Seagrave (pictured right), who decided Meachers should be its new owner after he steps down: “I’ve been searching for a long time to find someone to take over and look after the business and Meachers is the perfect fit,” he said.

“We are both solid companies with similar cultures and I have every confidence that the Meachers’ team will handle the haulage requirements of our customers expertly as it is incorporated into its main business.

“I wish them all the best for future success.”

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AFS employees will join the Meachers team and over time it is anticipated that the AFS brand will come under the Meachers’ banner.

Meachers MD Stuart Terris (pictured left with chairman Bob Terris) said AFS Haulage was a company it had long admired for its specialist haulage operations and reputation in the south: “This allows us to expand our international freight and transport logistics services to offer customers even more industry knowledge and expertise when providing solutions for freight forwarding, supply chain management, UK warehousing, distribution, training, transport and contract management,” he said.

“Not only will the AFS Haulage acquisition enhance our quality service, with more equipment such as flatbed, HIAB and groupage, it will also allow us to stay ahead of market demands, particularly after the pandemic.”

Terris added: “It’s certainly business as usual as we welcome the new employees from AFS and we look forward to working together as one team.”

In 2019, Meachers bought Southampton freight forwarder Kepair and Sea in order to expand its freight forwarding capacity and bolster key markets.