London-based removals and storage firm Amer Logistics has bought an historic Northwich-based removal and storage firm out of administration, saving the jobs of the entire workforce, administrators revealed this week.
Steve Muncaster and Andrew Poxon of insolvency firm Leonard Curtis were appointed as administrators to family-run Johnsons 1871 on 28 January and sold to Amer Logistics on the same day.
Johnsons 1871, which has been trading for 155 years, had a customer base of blue chip companies, including the NHS, the Co-operative, B&Q, Barclays and BBC Cymru Wales.
The company specialised in providing corporate and public sector clients with office relocation services, including design, fit out, business moves, storage, installation services, specialist laboratory relocations, facilities support services, IT support services and the company’s original home removals service.
It employed around 150 staff and operated a fleet of 120 vehicles from nine sites across the UK.
In its most recent annual results for the year to 31 March 2024, Johnsons 1871 reported revenue rising 20% to £29.3m (2023: £2.2m).
However, profit before tax decreased to £176,537, down from £2.1m in the previous year.
Leonard Curtis has confirmed that the business was sold to Amer Logistics Limited on the same day the administrators were appointed in a deal which protected 150 jobs.
Administrator Steve Muncaster, from Leonard Curtis, said: “We are delighted to have completed a sale of this long-established business, so preserving the employment of the entire workforce, and allowing its extensive customer base to continue to work with the business.”
Requests for comment from Amer Logistics Limited and Johnsons 1871 have yet to receive a response.
