Scotland-based JW Filshill has acquired independent wholesaler business Iain Hill for an undisclosed sum.
The investment comes ahead of Filshill’s autumn move to a purpose-built 123,034 sq. ft. distribution centre at Westway Park near Glasgow Airport.
Linwood-based Iain Hill is a delivered wholesaler that specialises in soft drinks, confectionery, snacks and other impulse products.
Simon Hannah, Chief Executive Officer at JW Filshill, commented: “Iain Hill Ltd is a perfect fit for Filshill given the many synergies between the two businesses – both independent family-owned companies with the same values and people-focused culture, and a similar geography given their proximity to each other in Renfrewshire. Both Filshill and Iain Hill use the same IT and app suppliers, which will make the transition easier.”
He added: “Iain Hill’s customers will benefit from a more extensive product range including fresh, chilled, alcohol and a full grocery offer – our business development managers and their teams will work closely with those customers to help them develop their businesses.
“As we prepare to move to our new headquarters, having Iain Hill’s experienced staff and assets, including modern HGVs, puts us in an excellent position to hit the ground running and expand our customer base.”
Iain Hill, the company’s Managing Director who launched his business from his parents’ garage 32 years ago, commented: “There’s a great synergy between the two businesses and the most important thing for me is that my staff will be moving to a like-minded independent, family-owned business that takes a people-first approach.”
“After 32 years in the industry, this is the right time for me to exit the business and give my staff, most of whom have been with me many years, the opportunity to work in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art distribution hub that will be just three miles from Linwood. For my customers, the number of food and drink lines available to them increases from 1,200 to 6,500 overnight, so it is a great opportunity for them to reassess their businesses and plan for growth.”
Filshill saw its turnover soar 23% to £191m in the year ending 31 January 2021. It supplies its KeyStore retail outlets across Scotland and the north of England, and also has 1,600 independent customers.
NAM Implications:
- All part of unprecedented market conditions.
- With one of your customers performing a little better than others…
- i.e. anticipate the probability of continuous takeovers.
- Meaning that any pricing & terms disparities will be corrected!
- …at your expense.
