Wincanton strengthens its home delivery offering with the acquisition of Lane Group plc

Building on its existing logistics and home delivery capabilities, leading European supply chain provider Wincanton has today announced the acquisition of Lane Group plc, a UK market leader in home delivery.

The acquisition allows Wincanton to strengthen its position within the growing home delivery market and apply its supply chain management expertise to this sector, improving efficiencies and responding to consumer demands for higher service levels.

Wincanton’s existing home delivery customers such as B&Q and Comet will be joined by Lane’s customer base including brands and retailers Homebase, Magnet, Electrolux and Bosch. Wincanton’s management knowledge and expertise will be integrated with Lane’s existing infrastructure and transport network to support these customers, providing enhanced capabilities and driving best practice.

Martin Taylor, Managing Director of Retail, Wincanton, says: “The opportunities available to Wincanton as a result of the acquisition of Lane are significant and the company’s operation provides a good strategic fit.

“The home delivery market is a growing one, estimated to be worth GBP37.1bn during 2005, driven by the growth in internet shopping and multi-channel retailing. However, this is a sector that is ripe for improvement as the demands on home delivery operations become increasingly complex and smaller companies find it difficult to respond.

“Wincanton is able to bring its existing knowledge and expertise of large, demanding supply chains and apply them to the home delivery market.”

Managing Director of Lane Group plc Rebecca Jenkins said, “This is an exciting opportunity for Lane Group. Both Lane and Wincanton have a strong reputation for providing high quality customer service and with Wincanton’s plans to expand further into the home delivery market the acquisition has provided a natural business development and one that I am very positive about.”