Meachers Global Logistics has bought the business trade of Southampton-based freight forwarder Kepair and Sea. 

The acquisition, which will take effect on 30 April, forms part of Meachers Global’s strategy to expand its freight forwarding capacity and bolster key markets.

For the financial year-ending 31 May 2018, Meachers reported a turnover of £26.2m, with around half coming from freight forwarding activities,  a spokeswoman told motortransport.co.uk.

"We are delighted to be making the business trade acquisition of Kepair" said Gary Whittle, commercial director at Meachers.

He added that the deal would allow an expansion of its customer base and provide additional avenues for growth.

The Kepair brand will be phased out and all five employees will transfer across to Meachers’ own freight forwarding team. “We look forward to welcoming them aboard,” said Whittle.

Ian Keppie, MD at Kepair, added: “As a former managerial employee at Meachers, I am delighted that I have had the opportunity to hand over the reins, now that I will be retiring, to a company which will provide a continued wide range of services in a highly effective manner and that all the staff will continue to provide their personal touch to existing customers.

“I wish Meachers all the success in this substantial business move.”

By Joe Creffield