Clipper Logistics has announced the acquisition of German logistics firm R Geist Spedition.

Based in Kempen, north west of Dűsseldorf, Geist was founded in 1938 and employs 65 staff. It runs a fleet of 30 trucks and has some 25,000m² (around 270,000ft²) of warehousing.

Clipper said the move would help UK retailers looking towards mainland Europe for expansion.

“Through listening to our customers it is clear that European expansion and the ability to handle the growing demands for online international returns are key concerns for retailers,” said Clipper MD Tony Mannix. “The development and launch of our Boomerang returns management solution and this further expansion in Germany are key elements of our strategic plan.”

“As the UK leader in retail logistics, it makes sense to export our expertise and innovation into growth markets, which will enable us to win new customers and better meet existing customers demands,” added Clipper chairman and founder Steve Parkin. “This is another important step for Clipper and signals our intentions to be an internationally renowned name in retail logistics.”

Geist’s turnover has not been revealed but Clipper claimed the firm was “consistently profitable” and said it “would add to [our] already well established presence in the country, bringing further expertise in retail logistics, warehousing, transport and e-fulfilment”.

Nobody from Geist was available for comment at the time of writing.

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