Edinburgh-based Menzies Distribution, one of the UK’s leading logistics companies, has bought Thistle Couriers of Aberdeen for an undisclosed sum.
The deal is its third acquisition in the past 12 months, underlining its intent to expand its e-commerce offering in the UK parcel market.
Menzies Distribution, traditionally known for overnight deliveries of newspapers and magazines, signalled its plan to secure more business in the logistics market early last year.
It wanted to make better use of depots, vehicles and drivers during daylight hours. Since then it has bought the courier firms AJG Parcels in Inverness and Oban Express.
Two supply chain deals have also been struck with major e-commerce firms B2C Europe and wnDirect.
Its latest acquisition, Thistle Couriers, was formed in 1998 and provides a UK-wide same-day service.
It delivers around 1,000 overnight parcels, and makes 450 parcel collections daily with its 45 staff and fleet of more than 25 vehicles, covering Aberdeen city and the wider Grampian region.
The business will give Menzies penetration into Scotland’s harder-to-reach areas, where it can act as a partner for major parcel carriers.
Mark Cassie, managing director of Menzies Distribution, said the purchase of Thistle Couriers further strengthens the infrastructure built by Menzies.
He continued: “This latest acquisition underlines our appeal to companies seeking cost-efficient deliveries to the north of Scotland.
“We believe that we can offer a compelling partnership proposition to the UK’s major parcel carriers.”
Anabela and Ewan Ferguson of Thistle Couriers said: “This was a great move for us, and for our people.
“We’ve been warmly welcomed into the Menzies family and are excited to play our part in the future that Menzies Distribution are building within the Scottish parcel industry.”
Formed in 1833, Menzies Distribution delivers 300,000 items to 25,000 destinations across the UK and Ireland over an aggregate of 123,000 miles each day.
It has 1,900 vehicles and 3,500 staff, and its network of depots include Dundee.