"UK's largest" same day distribution company expands into South West with acquisition

CitySprint, a London headquartered same day distribution company and part of DPDgroup, has today announced its acquisition of Dorset based Astral Couriers.

The deal is CitySprint’s second acquisition this year, after the recently announced purchase of Manchester courier business EcoSpeed. These deals underline CitySprint’s ongoing growth strategy, supported by the acquisition of strong regional courier businesses.

Based in Blandford Forum, Astral has a long-established track record providing specialist courier services. Established in 1995 as a single van company, Astral has grown to offer customers “first class” courier services both nationally and across the world.

Astral’s service specialism is said to “align perfectly” with CitySprint’s same day expertise, and the deal will see CitySprint further strengthen its presence in the South West.

In turn, the deal will give Astral’s customers access to CitySprint’s “unique” national same day delivery network, which can reach over 88 per cent of mainland UK within 60 minutes. Its clients and customers will be able to access CitySprint’s award-winning same day delivery services and its fleet of over 3,500 vehicles.

Gary West, CitySprint CEO, commented: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Astral and look forward to welcoming their team to the CitySprint family. Astral enjoys a strong reputation in the Dorset and Southwest region. And as our second acquisition this year, it represents another important step in our growth strategy.

“Looking ahead, it remains very much business as usual for Astral’s customers. There will be no changes to their current service or account contacts, but they can now enjoy access to our wider courier network and nationwide logistics service offering.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily