Dedicated Transport Solutions (DTS), backed by Winch & Co, announces its collaboration with, and purchase of Patrick Logistics in Cramlington.
DTS, which was acquired by Winch & Co in April 2022, subsequently announced its collaboration with Patrick Logistics this week in a move to expand its operational scope. This comes after a turnaround and consolidation exercise at DTS, following a tough 24 months in the commercial property market; seeing them sell their industrial site in Cramlington sooner than planned. The collaboration with Patrick Logistics will move DTS into the general road haulage space, with links into Scotland, having previously specialised in niche distribution and storage contracts. The deal will see DTS annual revenues increase by over 50% and the commercial fleet double.
Nathan Winch, Chief Executive at Winch & Co, explained, “DTS is a tremendous success story, and despite a stream of prevailing headwinds for a solid 18-24 months post acquisition, the team came through and we have secured a great platform business to build on with the likes of Patrick Logistics.”
He added, “The company [DTS] has worked with Patrick Logistics, as both a supplier and a customer, for years now – so it seemed a great fit for what we were looking to do following the consolidation plan. Showing confidence in the team and that we can keep things going to plan even in true adversity. The partnership will strengthen both businesses, allowing us to take advantage of significantly more back load opportunities and build on economic cross efficiencies, mainly in procurement.”
Debra Hart, Commercial Director at Winch & Co, said, “We’ve done lots of work with Patrick Logistics as both a customer and a supplier. The collaboration makes a lot of sense, utilising our back office capabilities, as well as Stephen’s ability to generate back loads on every job. We are looking for increased economies of scale in purchasing power and looking to recruit new, Class 1 drivers.”
Stephen Patrick, Managing Director at Patrick Logistics, commented, “We’ve known DTS for some time. We found the team very approachable and easy to work with. When we started talking it was as if it was made to happen and the people at Winch & Co made everything seamless; they were so friendly and accommodating. I’m happy we could do business at this level and look forward to helping them integrate the fleet and personnel.”
DTS will service the customers of both businesses, utilising the fleet of Patrick Logistics to maintain continuity of service. Much of the client base is already shared between the two businesses, which will help smooth out the integration going forward.
The implementation is expected to take around 6 months – where DTS will purchase the clients, fleet, and the assets of the business, which will continue to run and offer an exclusive and dedicated service to DTS in order to service the additional customers.
Winch & Co and DTS were advised by Ison Harrison Solicitors in Leeds.
