20/10/05 Northampton Haulier Expands its Global Reach

Northampton based Mainland Group is pleased to announce a strategic buyout of Eurocontinental International Freight Forwarders.

The takeover combines the strengths of the two Northamptonshire based companies totalling 32 years in road distribution with 26 years in freight forwarding.

Founded in 1973, Mainland Group has rapidly grown into one of the leading haulage companies in the Northamptonshire region with an unrivalled reputation for service quality. Part of the Pall-Ex the No.1 Pallet Network, Mainland Group operate a fleet of 65 trucks including 7.5 box vans to 38 tonne artics, and provide express road transport throughout Northamptonshire and the UK in addition to 30,000sq ft of on-site, secure, warehouse storage with bespoke, pick & pack and distribution services.

In May 2004 the Group entered a strategic partnership with SMC Express adding same day courier services for urgent parcel and pallet consignments to the Group's expanding service portfolio.

In October 2005, Mainland invested in the strategic buyout of "Eurocontinental International Freight Forwarders." The takeover strengthens the Group's capability as a service provider in the UK, European and international freight forwarding markets and provides the enhanced capability for full worldwide distribution including deep sea and airfreight services.

Worldwide import/export, road, sea and airfreight requirements are organised by Eurocontinental's specialist freight forwarding division that also operates a weekly consolidation service to and from the USA, Indian sub-continent and the Far East.

Mike Bacon, Managing Director of Mainland Group commented "Following extended discussions I am delighted to confirm Eurocontinental International Freight Forwarders is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Mainland Group firmly establishing our brand as a worldwide distribution partner in the international arena. This takeover reflects our continual drive for strategic growth as we continue to expand our service portfolio and maintain our position as a leader in the field providing a one stop shop for all regional, nationwide and now international freight distribution requirements."

Mr Jan Tj de Vries Managing Director of Eurocontinental added "being part of the rapidly expanding Mainland Group will add both financial and management strength to Eurocontinental as we move forward into an increasingly competitive market."