R&L buys SS
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• Bradford-based Rickaby and Lee is developing its breakbulk distribution business with the acquisition of SS Vanlines from nearby Batley.
The acquisition involves a cash and share deal, for an undisclosed sum. Vanlines managing director, Dennis Swannell, will become a member of the Rickaby board, and will take responsibility for the operation of former Vanlines vehicles in the Rickaby fleet.
There are now 40 vehicles belonging to Rickaby and Lee, and the joint turnover of the two companies is around 22 million.
Ian Tutton, group managing director, sees the acquisition as part of a planned growth which will involve further acquisitions in the future.
Vanlines' former vehicles will operate from Rickaby and Lee's warehouse premises in Bradford.
The former Vanlines premises in Batley will be operated with a skeleton staff for a few months, but the company plans to move all operations to Bradford.
All Vanlines employees have been offered alternative employment with Rickaby and Lee in Bradford.
Tutton will use the Vanlines vehicles to augment his company's breakbulk distribution business to the DIY market, and to expand the company's groupage business.