EFS swoops for Courier Connections as acquisition spree continues

North West logistics firm EFS Global shows no signs of leaving the acquisition trail after announcing its latest purchase – Scottish-based Courier Connections.

The deal marks the latest in a growing line of businesses EFS has bought and will also act as a springboard for future growth north of the border.

It means the haulage and freight forwarding group now has 17 depots and offices across the country, operating its own UK and European fleet.

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Sonio Singh, of David Blank Furniss, which acted for EFS, said: “Once again we were pleased to advise the EFS Global team on securing a major strategic acquisition as it continues to bolster its reach.”

The acquisition, for an undisclosed figure, follows the Burnley company’s purchase of Austin Wilkinson and AFI (UK) in April, as well as Red Scar Tyres, CS Brunt, Horizon Distribution, pallet distribution firms Euro Tran Despatch and Euro SDB; JRS Traction, Caistor Distribution and FWD Freight Services over the last few years.

Murray Jack, corporate partner at Addleshaw Goddard, which advised Courier Connections’ shareholders on the disposal, said the deal revealed deeper changes taking place in the industry:

“We expect the transport and logistics sector to continue to be an active source of M&A seals with activity in the sector driven, in part, by changes in consumer behaviour following the pandemic,” he said.