Wholesaler Stax Trade Centres has made a further investment in its supply chain with the acquisition of the logistics firm for an undisclosed sum.

Stax will assume control of PDS with immediate effect and hopes the move will allow it to gain greater control of its own logistics. In a statement issued today, it said that the acquisition will allow Stax “to fully secure the vertical integration of our supply chain whilst adding another feather to our cap in the form of a full distribution network that can be offered as a standalone service to help other suppliers in the sector.”

Historically, the national wholesale business has accounted for more than 60% of PDS’ logistics operation, which should allow for minimal transition and means there should be no interruptions to its service.

Established in 1965, PDS provides Stax with an additional fleet of vehicles plus a further 65,000sq ft of warehousing and fulfilment/distribution space. The company was founded by John McLelland, who now plans to exit the business full time but will continue to provide Stax with consultancy on an ad-hoc basis. The deal will also secure the jobs of the existing staff who will continue with their responsibilities towards the day-to-day management of the company.  

Stax, which remains commited to supplying independent retailers throughout the country, says it believes the advancement in its technological capabilities and this latest purchase present a huge stride in future proofing its business model.

Stax joint managing director David Hibbert said of the deal: “For some time we have discussed taking further control of our own distribution, so the opportunity to acquire PDS couldn’t have been more timely. PDS is a well-respected company with a long-standing heritage who we had a fantastic relationship with as a customer and we’re delighted that the existing staff and John [McLelland] will be staying on board as they’re integral to our plans.”