Rhenus Group has expanded its UK presence with the purchase of Palletforce member RCS Logistics.
The deal sees the Corby-based haulier, which has an operating licence for 50 trucks and 80 trailers, become a subsidiary of Rhenus Group’s UK arm Rhenus Logistics UK.
RCS Logistics directors Steve Gray and Richard Robinson will join the Rhenus Logistics UK board, and all 135 RCS Logistics employees will remain with the business.
Rhenus Group has also underwritten an investment, which will see another 90,000ft² of warehousing added to RCS Logistics’ portfolio of 350,000ft² of warehousing.
This is Rhenus Group’s second UK acquisition this year. In February, the company bought Manchester-based two-man handling company Network 4 Home Delivery.
David Williams, MD at Rhenus Logistics UK, said: “RCS Logistics is an award-winning business with a great customer service ethos. It is an ideal complement to the Rhenus offer in the UK.
"We’re excited about the opportunity this provides for us to expand the services we provide for our customers and look forward to working together to deliver innovative solutions to the market.”
In its latest annual results to 31 December 2016 RCS Logistics reported a rise in turnover in the year from £8.2m to £8.4m and made a pre-tax profit of £922,051, up from £556,659 in the previous period.
RCS Logistics commercial director Steve Gray said: “Joining the Rhenus family is part of a clear growth strategy for RCS Logistics which will open up service areas for the business and deliver a positive step forward.
“For customers and suppliers, it will be business as usual – but with the added benefit of a much larger network to call upon. We were keen to ensure that any acquiring organisation had the right values for our business, and Rhenus is an ideal fit.”
Rhenus Logistics UK operates 12 sites across the UK and is set to relocate its UK headquarters from Trafford Park to Port Salford.
