Sheffield food and pharmaceutical delivery firm taken over by RDS

Samples Express Ltd, the Sheffield-based food and pharmaceutical delivery company, has been acquired by Refrigerated Delivery Services Ltd (RDS).

RDS, which was established 25 years ago, is based in Worksop.

In addition to enlarging its client base, the deal has increased the fleet by 25% and added eight new employees, resulting in the company now employing just over 100 drivers and 10 office staff.

RDS is now planning to expand its fleet in order to extend its geographical distribution footprint and provide its services to additional sectors, including growing its air freight offering.

The company is targeting a further 15% growth over the next 12 months.

The deal took place to enable two of the three Samples Express directors, Alfred and Linda Peaker to retire from the family run business. The third director, Stewart Peaker, has chosen to stay on as an employee of RDS to help build and expand Samples Express under its new ownership.

Corporate director Neil Large of Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield office helped to conclude the deal within three weeks.

Richard Herberts, managing director of RDS, commented: “We are looking forward to the challenges of this expansion and the opportunities it brings. It will help with our ambitious growth plans in the market, while maintaining our high standard of service.

“I would like to thank the teams at RDS and Samples Express who have worked hard to create an excellent fit and smooth transition. I am confident the long term opportunities and stability will benefit them all.

“A big thank you to Neil Large and his corporate team at Lupton Fawcett in Sheffield for getting this deal over the line in such a short time. Also to Kevin Parkes at accountants Landin Wilcock & Co’s Sheffield office, who advised us on accounting issues and tax, in relation to the acquisition.”

Neil Large of Lupton Fawcett said: “It was a pleasure to work with both parties. Their professionalism and cooperation throughout enabled the deal to be concluded quickly. This deal required a round the clock approach with a commitment from my corporate team to keep things moving 24/7.

“The two companies are a perfect fit and I am sure the new larger RDS firm will meet its ambitious growth plans and bring further jobs to the region.”