We are pleased to present an exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-established and profitable haulage company based in the North West of England. The company, which has been operating since the early 1990s, specialises in servicing two key sectors in the region (to be disclosed following the completion of an NDA and client approval).

Highlights

• Specialist haulier servicing two specialist sectors in the North West of England (sectors to be revealed following completion of NDA and client sign-off).
• Turnover of £2.7m in 2023.
• Gross profit at 36.72% in 2023, an increase from 27.04% in 2021 and 28.84% in 2022.
• Net profit margin before tax of 2.1% – with addbacks including depreciation 9.1%.
• Fleet of 8 vehicles with 9 full-time drivers (one on long-term sick).
• Fleet of 5 independent owner-drivers who work exclusively for the business and outside scope of IR35.
• Relief team of 4 drivers available for holiday/sickness cover.
• Long-established trading relationships with farms and quarries in geographical catchment area.
• Not owner-reliant – nearly all duties can be performed by transport manager, planners and administration team.
• Two transport planners expert at booking new jobs with existing customers but the firm badly needs an experienced sales rep to grow the customer database.
• FORS Bronze members
• Growth expected in markets served between now and 2028 faster than expected UK economic growth.
• Cash-generative with no bad debts thanks to superb internal credit control.

Summary

With a turnover consistently around £3m over the past three financial years and steadily increasing gross margins, this company has demonstrated strong financial performance. The business holds essential accreditations that allow it to transport specific goods for its clients, which form the core of its operations. The company efficiently manages its return journeys by securing loads from other businesses in the area.

The shareholders have successfully trained a skilled team of transport managers, planners, and administrators to run the daily operations, ensuring the company can function smoothly and profitably without the constant presence of the owners. The day-to-day team maintains long-standing customer relationships, initially established by the shareholders, with clients placing orders directly through them. The company’s turnover is primarily derived from these long-term clients.

The business employs transport planners who actively engage with clients and consistently secure additional work. The company has its own fleet and full-time drivers as well as a team of independent owner-drivers who work exclusively for the firm. The company also has access to a pool of reserve drivers to accommodate periods of high demand.

This haulage company presents a solid foundation for growth under the guidance of a focused purchaser and their team. With no dedicated salesperson or concerted effort to acquire new customers, there is significant untapped potential. The existing staff and infrastructure can support expansion into additional types of transport work and extend the company’s geographical reach.

Enquire

In the information memorandum, we outline seven rapid strategies a new owner can implement to enhance the value of this business.

Given this company’s many advantages, we anticipate strong interest from prospective buyers. To express your interest and arrange a telephone call or meeting with the current owners, please contact Swan Corporate at your earliest convenience.