Evolve Corporate Finance advises NFS360 on the sale to France-based Groupe DESLOG
Evolve Corporate Finance, the national M&A advisory practice headquartered in Birmingham, has successfully advised the shareholders of NFS360, a specialist transport and logistics operator, on the sale of the business to France-based international logistics group, Groupe DESLOG.
Based in the Northeast of England, in Peterlee, NFS360 is a long-established provider of value-add warehousing and logistics solutions. Established over 45 years ago by David Lawson, the business now employs over 90 staff and operates from four strategically located sites.
This marks Groupe DESLOG’s first UK acquisition, which recognised NFS360’s strategic locations, long-established logistic network and extensive customer base with an excellent reputation for customer service. The new partnership will enhance existing expertise and capabilities into and out of Europe including navigating complex freight customs requirements. NFS360’s Managing Director, Michael Banks, will continue to manage the business during this exciting new chapter.
An advisory team at Evolve Corporate Finance, led by Justin Sparks, partner and co-founder, provided strategic advice to the shareholders of NFS360 to identify and engage with several UK and international strategic parties and negotiated terms to maximise value. Justin was supported by Doug Allan, assistant director.
Ian Lawson, exiting shareholder commented: ‘‘The sale of NFS360 to Groupe DESLOG represents an exciting new chapter in the development of the business. It will help to accelerate its growth, develop the service offering, and support the team in delivering exceptional customer service. We were delighted to work with Evolve as our advisors who applied their extensive knowledge of the process, understood the nuances of our business, and were able to integrate themselves into our team. Professional and dynamic, Evolve provided first-class advice to lead us towards the best possible outcomes for all stakeholders.’’
Patrick Guermeur, Managing Director, Groupe DESLOG added: ‘‘NFS360 has built an outstanding reputation as a specialist transport and logistics operator across the UK, and we are excited that they are now part of Groupe DESLOG and the growth opportunities this will bring. The firm’s culture, approach to customer service, and offering align perfectly with Groupe DESLOG’s growth strategy and we look forward to working with the management team.’’
Justin Sparks, Partner at Evolve Corporate Finance, added, “It was a pleasure to support and advise the Lawson family with the successful exit of their long-established and successful business to a strategic trade buyer who is looking to continue to invest in the business and the UK logistics market. The logistics market has experienced significant change in recent years, with macroeconomic factors, such as Brexit, presenting market opportunities. Our sector expertise enabled us to identify Groupe DESLOG as an excellent partner for NFS360 and it will enable the enlarged group to capitalise on future market opportunities.”
