Leicestershire's Premier Logistics has bought a Yorkshire-based rival in a deal that pushes its turnover to £21m.

The haulier has bought CJ Express Logistics, a Hull-headquartered business which was set up by husband and wife team Nick and Susan Carter.

Lee Christopher, managing director at Premier Logistics, said: "The port city of Hull offers a vast market for groupage and full-load work, and CJ Express were open to new energy and investment. We are delighted to have added this extremely competently-run business to our Premier group of companies."

Following the deal, the Carters have joined Premier as commercial manager and health and safety manager respectively.

Nick Carter added: "The deal with Premier Logistics is exciting for both parties. We had been contemplating the future of our business for some time.

"This very amicable and mutually satisfactory deal presented an ideal solution. CJ Express' solid reputation for quality and strong operational core will be an asset to Premier’s group of companies; while I'm confident that the Premier team will invigorate C J Express, ensuring progression for the business, which will now participate in a larger network for full-load traffic in and out of the North East."

CJ Express will retain its identity, but Premier has introduced new livery to five of its trucks. The group will commit a further £500,000 to the CJ Express fleet in the coming months.

source: InsiderMedia