Lancaster-based logistics firm S J Bargh has bought out Stoke haulier RG Bassett for an undisclosed sum.

The deal will see S J Bargh take control of RG Bassett’s haulage and warehousing operations as well as gain new driver training services and an 11-acre site with 100 employees near Stoke-on-Trent.

R G Bassett will continue to operate as a standalone haulage brand, with S J Bargh focusing on milk collection and distribution for Arla Foods, Joseph Heler, and Müller Milk and Ingredients.

S J Bargh managing director Anthony Finlayson-Green believes that existing customers of both companies will benefit from the acquisition, which brings a larger fleet of vehicles, greater warehousing capacity, and increased workforce.

Claire Bassett, director of RG Bassett, explained that after five generations and with the current owners nearing retirement, the time was right to “join the Bargh family”. She added that S J Bargh “share our family values and complement our services”.

The deal means that S J Bargh Group now operates a fleet in excess of 500 vehicles, and employs more than 500 people across four sites in the north-west and midlands.