By Kristy Dorsey

Menzies Distribution has completed its second significant acquisition in six months with the takeover of West Lothian's JBT Distribution.

JBT operates 200 vehicles from its headquarters in Bathgate and further depots in Aberdeen, Inverness, East Kilbride, Lerwick and Kirkwall. Sitting alongside Menzies in Motor Transport's Top 100 logistics companies by size, JBT has annual sales of more than £23 million.

Menzies has been gearing up for expansion since it was taken over in September 2018 by private equity group Endless as a "buy and build" project. At the end of last year it acquired Bibby Distribution, a move that was followed by the appointment of distribution heavyweights Andy Clark and Charles Wilson to the board of directors.

Menzies said the deal with cement its position as a major force in UK logistics.

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“We are gaining momentum at pace as we execute our ambitious strategy for growth and are delighted to acquire JBT," Menzies chief executive Greg Michael said. "We believe that through combining the complementary business with Menzies, there are significant opportunities to grow both businesses through unlocking further geographical capability and expanding services to both sets of customers in Scotland and throughout the UK and Ireland."

JBT's Robert Gordon said directors were "delighted" to announce the acquisition.

“We believe that Menzies is aligned with the future strategic and growth plan in the sectors in which we operate and will enhance the service offering of the business both locally and nationally," he said.