SJ Bargh Group Announces the Acquisition of R.G. Bassett & Sons

LANCASTER, UK (13 JUNE 2016) SJ Bargh Group Ltd has today announced the acquisition of Stoke-on-Trent based R.G. Bassett & Sons Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

SJ Bargh’s acquisition of Bassetts complements the company’s existing operations and adds new capabilities including a strategic location at an 11-acre site with 100 employees near Stoke-on-Trent. This site is close to existing and new SJ Bargh sites with excellent links to the M6 and A50. The acquisition will increase the Group’s fllet logistics and warehousing operations and add new driver and related training services.

Bassetts will continue as a standalone brand and as one of the leading general haulage firms in the Midlands, while SJ Bargh will retain its primary focus on specialised logistics, including milk collection and distribution, for clients including Arla Foods, Joseph Heler, and Müller Milk and Ingredients.

Anthony Finlayson-Green, SJ Bargh Group Managing Director, said,

Our Shareholders and Board recognise Bassetts for their integrity, commitment to quality and operational excellence. We made this strategic step because there is tremendous synergy between our Companies and we are delighted Bassetts are joining the SJ Bargh family. The customers of both companies will also benefit as together we offer greater scale with a larger team, more vehicles and warehousing, and a host of complementary services.

Claire Bassett, R.G. Bassett & Sons Director said,

As the Owner Directors at Bassetts neared their chosen retirement age a decision was made, after five generations stretching back to 1897, to join the SJ Bargh family. We are delighted, because we know there is a very bright future ahead with SJ Bargh, not least because they share our family values and complement our services. Laurence and I are members of our founding family and will remain within the business to ensure there is a smooth transition and continuity for our customers and employees.

The SJ Bargh Group now comprise of 500+ employees across four key sites in the North West and Midlands with a fleet of 500+ vehicles and assets, along with 120,000 square feet of warehousing.

Established in 1935, the SJ Bargh Group provides specialised logistics including milk distribution, with 4 million litres of milk collected daily for clients including Arla Foods, Joseph Heler, and Müller Milk and Ingredients. The Group also provides fleet logistics, supply chain management; Palletforce membership; warehousing; 3rd Party HGV servicing; sale of Scania parts and driver related training.

Acknowledgements – with grateful thanks to our deal team:
DOW SCHOFIELD WATTS (Deal Advisors) – SCOTT WILKINSON (Accountants)
FIELDEN MARSHAL GLOVER STRUTT (Legal) – MILLS & REEVE (Legal)
BARCLAYS BANK – BCMS