Menzies unveils latest parcels sector takeover

Logistics group John Menzies has bought its third parcel delivery firm within 12 months.

Menzies has acquired Aberdeen-based Thistle Couriers

The Edinburgh-based firm’s distribution arm has paid an undisclosed sum for Thistle Couriers of Aberdeen as it seeks to grow its presence in the fast-growing e-commerce market.

Founded in 1998, Thistle Couriers provides a UK-wide same-day service, delivering about 1,000 parcels overnight, and makes 450 collections each day with its 45-strong workforce and fleet of more than 25 vehicles. Menzies said the takeover would extend its reach into Scotland’s “hard-to-reach areas”.

The deal follows the purchase last year of Oban Express and AJG Parcels of Inverness, the biggest parcel delivery firm in the Highlands

Menzies Distribution managing director Mark Cassie said: “The purchase of Thistle Couriers strengthens the infrastructure we’ve built with the acquisitions of AJG and Oban Express, and adds a time-critical, same-day service to our portfolio.

“With our existing geographical reach, especially in harder-to-access towns, we are able to deliver further and wider than many other players operating within this market – and I think this latest acquisition underlines our appeal to companies seeking cost-efficient deliveries to the north of Scotland. We believe that we can offer a compelling partnership proposition to the UK’s major parcel carriers.”

Cassie, formerly distribution operations director, took up the role last month as part of a management shake-up sparked by the surprise resignation of Menzies chief executive Jeremy Stafford.

Ewan and Anabela Ferguson, the husband and wife team behind Thistle Couriers, said the acquisition of their firm was “a great move for us, and for our people”.

They added: “We’ve been warmly welcomed into the Menzies family, and are excited to play our part in the future that Menzies Distribution are building within the Scottish parcel industry.”