Culina MAN

Culina Group has acquired the supply chain activities of Cert Octavian for an undisclosed amount, as it continues with its strategy to double the business in the next five years.

The deal will see Culina Logistics’ parent taking over Cert Octavian’s distribution and warehousing contracts, facilities and staff, which will expand the group’s network to eight ambient DCs across the UK. The wine specialist will retain its cellarage business.

It is expected around 300 staff will transfer across to Culina from the takeover of Cert Octavian sites based in Hoddesdon, Lutterworth and Middleton, as well as those staff already integrated from two shared facilities in Dudley and Rotherham.

Thomas van Mourik, CEO at Culina Group, says: “We are acquiring some excellent contracts, facilities and people. This significantly expands our ambient network and will enable us to drive through synergies and efficiencies that will benefit all our existing customers  and allow us to offer an even better service.”

He adds that the group is also on the hunt for “similar opportunities” that will the business to add value to its supply chain services.

In its latest financial results filed to Companies House for the year ended 30 June 2011, Cert Octavian made a pre-tax profit on ordinary activities of £1.2m on a turnover of £35.5m.

Culina Logistics posted a turnover of £121.4m in December 2009, but made a pre-tax loss of £1.2m.

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