EmergeVest, an international private equity investor, today announces its acquisition of CM Downton (Haulage Contractors) Limited (“Downton” or the “Company”), one of the UK’s leading logistics groups, in a £75 million transaction.
EmergeVest has acquired the entire shareholding from the Downton family and will provide additional capital to finance the Company’s growth. The Downton family will continue to serve in their respective roles as senior management of the Company. Investec Bank plc supported EmergeVest’s acquisition of the Company with an integrated debt package.
This investment marks EmergeVest’s seventh acquisition in the UK logistics sector since being formed in 2013. EmergeVest’s current UK portfolio includes Adjuno, Allport Cargo Services, NFT Distribution, NR Evans and Palletforce.
Established in 1955 and headquartered in Gloucestershire, UK, Downton generates annual revenue of c.£120 million, operates 600 tractor units and 1,800 trailers, and employs c.1,350 colleagues across a comprehensive UK network, including Moreton Valence (headquarters), Quedgeley, Shepton Mallet, Chepstow, Sharpness, Hardwicke, Tuffley, Runcorn, Manchester, Dunstable, Leeds, Chatham and Tilbury.
