One of Dundee’s oldest businesses has been sold.
Dundee, Perth and London shipping company (DP&L) has been sold by the Chalmers family to Scottish businessman Alick Bisset for an undisclosed fee.
Mr Bisset has worked with the DP&L Board over the last three years to help restructure the group and develop a succession plan for the business.
Alasdair Chalmers, who took over from his father as managing director in 1987, is retiring after 30 years with the group.
During his tenure the group has expanded its travel management, industrial and hygiene supplies, marquee hire and recruitment activities as it moved away from its traditional shipping business.
Mr Chalmers said: “DP&L has prospered by embracing and accepting change. This is a significant development and it ends a family connection of 80 years.
“However, the sale to Alick and the management secures the future of the group. My family and I wish them every success.”
Despite the sale, the group’s priority of providing the highest level of service to its customers will not change, according to Mr Bisset, whose family are originally from Pittenweem in Fife.
Mr Bisset, who will take over as group managing director, said: “We are delighted to be taking control of the group and build upon the good work that has been achieved under the Chalmers family stewardship.
“I am looking forward to working with the management team to not only consolidate the current trade but to expanding the group beyond its traditional Dundee heartland.”
He added: “While the group’s activities are diverse it is our intention to better leverage the relative strength of each division.
“Over the coming months we will be developing our plans in more detail.
“This will include improving our online presence and increasing business development activity to build upon the group’s existing blue chip customer base.”