W&R Barnett acquires majority shareholding in Logson Group

Belfast based W&R Barnett, has acquired a 60% shareholding in Logson Group for an undisclosed sum.

W&R Barnett is a fourth generation family business committed to growing and investing in successful operating businesses and their employees. Founded in 1896, the group has grown from its origins as a grain merchant and expanded its operations to include a wide variety of commodity trading, storage and industrial businesses.

Founder shareholders Ian Loggie and Mike Stephenson will retain a significant share in the business and remain Directors on the Logson Board. Bob McLellan will continue in his role of Non-Executive Chairman.

W&R Barnett CEO William Barnett commented, “We are very excited to invest in the Logson Group and are looking forward to working with Ian, Mike, Alex and the rest of the Logson team to continue its success and growth”.

Logson Group CEO Alex Kelly, who will also join the W&R Barnett Board, commented; “W&R Barnett’s investment offers long term clarity to all our stakeholders – employees, customers and suppliers.  This deal reinforces the core values of our business, fiercely independent, entrepreneurial leadership and an appetite for growth. It is very much business as usual, the future is very bright and I am delighted that the Logson senior team have been given the opportunity to invest in the new structure.

The Logson Group will retain its focus on strengthening its leading position within its chosen market sectors. “Our £15million investment program in 2015, has delivered the UK’s most productive sheet feeding site at Preston as well as two new sites within Boxes and Packaging. Following on from our purchase of Jardin Corrugated Cases, we remain acquisitive and continue to look for opportunities that will enhance our customer offering”.

Logson Group consists of four brands, Board24, Boxes and Packaging, Jardin Corrugated Cases and Cases24. Collectively they form a unique mix of companies offering a full range of corrugated packaging solutions from 17 locations across the UK. With a turnover in excess of £185million Logson is the UK’s leading independent paper based packaging business.