Apex in letter mystery
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by Rob Willock • Wednesbury parcels firm Apex is vowing to root out and sue the author of a rogue letter which invites franchisees to form a breakaway network.
The mystery aggressor, purporting to be from a Midlands solicitors firm called Grindleys, claims to represent a group of six Apex franchisees upset at how the parcels network is being run.
However, Commercial Motor has been unable to trace Grindleys. A Stokeon-Trent firm called Grindeys says it is concerned that someone is impersonating it and confirms: "No one in our offices was connected with this letter whatsoever."
The letter, which was sent from Stoke-onTrent to several of Apex's 75 franchisees, says: "We believe that the depot network within Apex is being denied quality of service and a future by Acclaim Holdings Ltd."
Allegations include: that Acclaim managing director Raymond Giblin is running Apex solely for his benefit; that the company refuses to invest in more trunking vehicles to Scotland and Cornwall; and that hub charges are about to be increased substantially.
The letter also claims that a major backer with a £50m turnover is waiting in the wings to part-finance a breakaway.
But Giblin dismisses the threat, saying no credible solicitor or financial backer would put their names to something so "silly and unprofessional. It's a red herring—I think I know who's behind it. Apex is going from strength to strength and I'm not unduly concerned."
However, Apex's solicitor RA Wilkinson & Co says: "The letter constitutes a libel and also an inducement to our client's depots to break their contracts. Our clients are anxious to take action against the instigator of this letter."