| The jobs had been under threat since last September when administrators were called in to Richard Lawson Auto Logistics Limited, which has 22 locations across the UK, including Dundee and Kirriemuir.
The acquisition deal announced this morning means that some 35 jobs at the Dundee HQ and a further 11 at Kirriemuir have been secured.
Joint administrators Bruce Cartwright, Rob Hunt and Graham Frost, from accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers, said today that a deal had been concluded for the sale of the business to the Autocare Group Limited.
The sale includes shares in a wholly-owned RLAL subsidiary, Autocare UK Limited, which was unaffected by last September’s move into administration. The combined businesses employ 650 people across the UK.
Since the administrators were called in, the business has been extensively restructure.
Existing management, including managing director Colin Johnson and finance director Sandy Fyfe, will switch to new owners Autocare Group Limited.
Autocare Group Limited will initially focus on consolidating strong relationships with their major vehicle manufacturers and fleet operator customers.
Mr Cartwright said today that over the past four months the administrators had witnessed “exceptional commitment” on the part of employees, customers and major creditors to preserve the business.
“This is a complex logistics business and there have been a number of issues to address,” he said.
“We are therefore delighted to have been able to negotiate a solution whereby these businesses may continue to develop under new ownership, preserving 650 jobs. I would like to thank all the parties who have contributed to this successful outcome.”
David Horton of Manchester-based management consultants Grafton Associates, who advised Autocare Group Limited, said the new owners were pleased to have been able to acquire the “well respected business” and were excited about the opportunity to develop the business.
“They anticipate a period of stabilisation on the transport and distribution side while the fleet management business will embark on a strategy of relatively aggressive growth alongside a number of innovations,” he added.
The sale deal does not affect Richard Lawson Autologistik GmbH in Germany, which will continue to be a subsidiary of the parent company.
Established 30 years ago, RLAL had a turnover of around £40 million. A downturn in the UK’s inland transportation market was blamed for the company’s slide into administration. |
