Sep 6 2005
Supply chain specialist Gist, part of The BOC Group, is expanding its primary business into Europe with the acquisition of G Van Dongen Holdings BV, a European temperature-controlled transport operator comprising seven companies based in the Netherlands and Spain.
The new European operation will be known as Gist Van Dongen and will provide fresh/chill and ambient transport services to food manufacturers in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Portugal, and France.
The €46m turnover business adds to Gist’s existing operations in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, bringing five additional operating centres in Holland and one in Spain – net assets worth €8m and in excess of 260 people.
Commented Gist managing director, Martin Gwynn: “This is an ideal strategic fit for Gist. We have a strong UK Primary chill business but we believe that substantial opportunities lie in Europe.”
The Van Dongen existing customer base includes Flowerplus, Fritolay, Maersk, and Tetrapak.
The seven operating companies, being acquired, are:
- Van Dongen Transport
- Van Trans
- Peeman Transport
- Van Dongen Westland
- LogiFrance
- Van Dongen Aalsmeer
- Van Dongen Cool Logistics Barendrecht
http://www.boc.com