Merger creates giant fleet
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• One of the largest players in UK distribution is to be created by the merger of Cavewood and United Carriers.
Both companies are owned by Paris-based Geodis, which aims to offer customers a "onestep shop" for a variety of distribution services in the UK and on the Continent.
Integration, which is due to be completed by January 2000, will create a combined fleet of 1,600 vehicles, of which about 25% are owned by Cavewood.
Geodis bought United Carriers In May for £2.5m: it is one of the UK's top 10 parcels and freight distribution companies.
Cavewood, which has been owned by Geedis since the mid1980s, specialises in full and part loads between the UK and the Continent. Its subsidiary FORTEC handles distribution and next-day palleting in the UK.
Elspeth Hutchings, marketing director of United Carriers, says more than 40% of the combined fleet will be sporting a new livery by the end of the year and most vehicles will be replaced within the next twoand-a-half years.