ACUMEN EXPANDS IN THE SOUTH WEST WITH J&A TRANSPORTERS ACQUISITION
Acumen Automotive Logistics is expanding its operation with the acquisition of J&A Transporters – a Somerset-based business specialising in used vehicle movements for auction houses, direct contracts with dealerships for new cars and vehicle swaps, plus fleet movements for rental operators.
The deal adds 15 car transporters and a facility in Bridgwater to Acumen’s portfolio, increasing the groups fleet to more than 200 vehicles and allowing the firm to expand its range of services.
Chris Doughty, Managing Director of parent company Acumen Logistics Group, says: “This acquisition is a perfect fit for both businesses. It sees us grow our footprint with a strategically important new base in the South West, plus a team of very experienced and dedicated staff.”
Acumen sees additional opportunity to develop the J&A Transporters operation by building on the strong foundations put in place by the founders, and by using its larger infrastructure base to benefit customers.
Doughty adds: “Our strategy is growth, both organically through winning new contracts and by acquiring businesses which have a similar ethos to us. As a privately-owned company we can move fast on acquisitions, providing they complement our existing business and we believe we can create value.”
J&A Transporters will continue to focus predominantly on movements for the used vehicle, dealer and fleet markets, but its vehicles will also support the existing Acumen operation.
The 15-strong fleet is being refurbished on a rolling programme, with a fresh livery which reflects the firm’s position as part of the wider Acumen Logistics Group. The company will continue to trade as J&A Transporters.
Andrew Flynn, who established J&A Transporters with his wife Jan in 2002, remains as General Manager and retains a 10 per cent shareholding. The company’s 15 drivers and four administrative staff have transferred under TUPE with an extra recruit joining the office team.