CM Downton’s acquisition of C&H (Hauliers) in 2013 helped boost turnover by 15% year-on-year, according to its most recent filings at Companies House.

For the year-ending 30 June 2014 turnover stood at £108.5m (2013: £94.2m) but pre-tax profit fell to £4.7m, from £5.3m in the previous year. The directors’ report described the groups’ financial position as “very satisfactory”.

Breaking down the performance, turnover for continuing operations at CM Downton rose year-on-year to £91m, from £90.5m, while its contribution from its joint venture Avon Distribution (of which it owns 50% shareholding, alongside RT Keedwell) fell slightly to £3.6m from £3.7m.

However the acquisition of former Charles Gee Group division C&H (Hauliers) contributed £13.8m turnover and £256,792 in operating profit.

A spokesman for CM Downton told Motortransport.co.uk that the acquisition of C&H (Hauliers) was a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for the company that made it "a proper national business with a national infrastructure".

"We are concentrating on doing the simple things well, offering scale with the family touch," he added.

Downton acquired C&H (Hauliers) in October 2013 after its parent company went into administration. At the time 180 staff at C&H transferred to Downton under TUPE regulations.

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