Currie Solutions Group has made its third acquisition in 18 months with the purchase of Laser Transport International. It said the latest acquisition added a prime location in Kent, as well as new hubs in Coventry and Swindon to the group’s expanding network, which also includes sites in Holland and France.
Kevin Huskie, Currie Solutions European MD, said: “Transport continues to be a tough place to operate, the last few years for Currie has been about improving performance and moving back to a healthier position overall.
“Part of delivering that is making relevant acquisitions that underpin our overall plan as we look forward to 2021 and 2022 which we expect to be an important period for the Currie group.
“Despite the challenges of Covid-19 and the general conditions in the sector, both Currie and Laser showed great resilience to deliver this transaction, supported by our advisory teams and our funding partner, Bibby Financial Services.”
In an email to staff of both Currie and Laser and seen by motortransport.co.uk, the directors of both firms said: “As Laser merges into the Currie Group, the enlarged business will focus on UK and European full load, UK and European groupage, pallet network, road, air and ocean forwarding services in a truly UK and Europe wide customer proposition.
“The directors and senior management teams from both companies will immediately be working together to align the two companies as swiftly as possible and ensure we optimise our collective strengths to form a more potent business overall.”
In November 2019, Currie Solutions’ MD Stephen Turner said the haulage firm was going through a period of transition as it expanded and developed its services, following an MBO the previous January.
At that time, its most recent annual results to 31 December 2018 showed that turnover had fallen by £500,000 to £39.4m, while pre-tax losses almost quadrupled to £522,928.
Following the MBO, the group also acquired PS Ridgway and Move-It Express in Livingston.
