Culina Group enter joint venture with Morgan McLernon

Culina Group has entered a joint venture with Morgan McLernon

Food & drink logistic company Culina Group has formed an alliance with Ireland’s ambient, chilled, and frozen food distributor Morgan McLernon.

The agreement, the terms of which remain under wraps, will make Morgan McLernon the largest haulage operator in Ireland.

The deal will also enable Culina to expand its presence in the country. Culina entered the UK market in 1994 and now has 50 sites in the UK in Ireland, a turnover of nearly £500m, plus a fleet of 800 vehicles and 2,000 trailers.

It branded the joint venture a “logical next step for both companies”.

“It’s an excellent fit which is going to provide great opportunities for both staff and clients on both sides of the Irish Sea,” said Culina chief executive Thomas van Mourik.

“This move significantly expands the geographical reach of our network. It will enable both organisations to improve services even further. We are acquiring some excellent contracts, a superb facility at Lurgan and a brilliant team of people.”

The joint venture will “ensure that all current and prospective customers continue to benefit from market-leading levels of service”, Culina said.

“The Morgan McLernon board believes this move makes strong commercial sense,” said Morgan McLernon CEO Michael McLernon.

“The combining of our two businesses will create major opportunities for significantly growing our market share on both sides of the Irish Sea.”