Gregory Distribution strengthens national presence with ARR Craib Transport buy

Gregory Distribution (Holdings) has acquired ARR Craib Transport, for an undisclosed sum.

ARR Craib Transport has its headquarters in Aberdeen, with additional operations in Cumbernauld, Stockton and Great Yarmouth.

Craib’s is a private family company that has traded for more than 50 years. Initially the business was linked to the paper industry and thereafter developed as a supplier to the oil and gas industries.

Subsequently the business expanded to include running the Scottish hub for Palletline - current Palletline MD Graham Leitch was with the haulier before taking on his network role - and it counts the likes of Baxters, Walkers and Brew Dog as customers.

With close to £50m, more than 275 vehicles and over 400 staff, Craib was described by acquirer Gregory Distribution as "a very significant addition to Gregory Distribution". It creates a group with a turnover north of £200m, more than 1,000 trucks and more than 2,400 employees.

Gregory Distribution already has a joint venture with Scottish haulier Hayton Coulthard.

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John Gregory, chief executive of Gregory Distribution (pictured left), said: “We are very pleased that Eddie Anderson will be staying on as chief executive of Craib’s which will remain as an independent company.

"Our companies are culturally aligned and share the same principles. This coupled with Eddie’s relationship with his customers, his vast knowledge and experience and his enthusiasm for our industry make this a perfect addition to our ever developing group.”

Eddie Anderson (pictured right) said: “As two private, like minded, companies operating in similar sectors it seemed an excellent opportunity for Craib’s to become part of a larger organisation. We feel very comfortable with the arrangement and look forward to Craib’s prospering beside Gregory’s.”

Speaking to MT Leitch said the network was fully behind the deal and had been in discussions with John Gregory for some time over it. He added that while the new group will not be the largest inputter into Palletline it is now the biggest in terms of delivery volume.