Simon Gibson Transport taken over by French firm GCA

East Yorkshire bulk powder haulier Simon Gibson Transport has been acquired by French logistics firm Groupe Charles André (GCA) for an undisclosed sum.

Simon Gibson Transport, founded 16 years ago, employs 138 staff and runs a fleet of 94 vehicles.

The firm, which managed to double its turnover and profit between 2012 and 2014, is particularly active in the construction, glass, foundry, plastics and food sectors and was the winner of the Tanker Safety Award at the Tip-ex and Tank-ex 2015 Awards.

GCA, which is active in the chemical, hydrocarbons, construction and dry bulk sectors and already runs sites in the UK at Brentwood, Widnes and Billingham, has so far not commented on its 75% acquisition of the business.

However, Simon Gibson, who retains the remaining 25%, told Motortransport.co.uk: “While the business is in a very strong position, we will now enjoy the backing of a major European player to enable us to offer a wider variety of services to existing and potential new customers.

“We are still hungry to expand and being part of a large group gives the business the financial security we need to take advantage of market opportunities and handle larger contracts in order to continue to grow the business further,” he added.