Bill Bowker (left) and Derrick Potter

WH Bowker has bought the warehousing and transport operations at five sites belonging to Potter Logistics for an undisclosed sum.

The operations are located at Droitwich, Knowsley, Ripon (the first three all top-tier COMAH accredited facilities), Selby and York.

WH Bowker, which has locations in Preston and Hull, said the acquisition make it one of the largest players in the UK in the field of specialist chemicals logistics, healthcare and food warehousing and distribution.

It now operates a road transport fleet of more than 200 trucks, in excess of 450 trailers, with 1,000,000ft² of warehousing, and employ more than 750 people.

Potter Group (Holdings), the parent company of Potter Logisitcs, said it intended to become a property investment company with a focus on the development of its land assets, suggesting it has exited road transport after more than 50 years.

WH Bowker director Bill Bowker (pictured left) said: “Derrick Potter (pictured right), his management team and staff have built industry-wide respect for their logistics expertise and the company provides an excellent fit with our expansion strategy.

“Both businesses are committed to a long term working relationship supporting and growing customer operations, while ensuring a smooth transition for all customers to the new commercial arrangement.”

The companies were not available to comment further.