Member Article

Swissport in talks to buy Runcorn-based Servisair

Runcorn-headquartered airport baggage handler, Servisair, has confirmed it is in sales talks with rival firm, Swissport International.

The firm’s Paris-based owner, Derichebourg, posted a statement that said the two companies are in an exclusivity period over the 100% disposal of Servisair for an undisclosed sum.

Swissport and Derichebourg are expected to comment in due course, after a “irrevocable and binding offer” was made on Monday.

Servisair provides services for around 106m air passengers and 645,000 tonnes of cargo each year, with a client base of as many as 500 aviation companies.

The firm moved its headquarters to Runcorn, Cheshire in 2009 after it was founded in Manchester in the 1950s.

A deal would see Servisair add 15,000 employees to Swissport’s 40,000-strong workforce, which operates across 180 stations over 38 countries and five continents.

Derichebourg calls itself a “major player” in working for local authorities and companies on an international scale.

It covers environmental, business and airport services as well as cleaning, temporary work, energy and aircraft support to manufacturers and maintenance firms.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .