Expanding courier firm Eezehaul has completed the acquisition of Brighton-based logistics firm APC Mobile Couriers for an undisclosed sum.

Gatwick-based Eezehaul said it expected to create 25 jobs in the Brighton area after taking over APC's depot in Basin Road North, Portslade.

The company's South Coast operations will now be called APCEezehaul.

Eezehaul has enjoyed unprecedented growth since its formation in the mid-Nineties, establishing itself as a leading logistics and distribution supplier.

In 2003-2004 the company grew by 34 per cent. Turnover is now £4.5million and the privately-owned firm now employs 65 people, including sub-contractors.

Last year the firm, which counts several airlines among its customers, won the Small Business Award of the Year at the Sussex Business Awards.

Eezehaul said APC services would "dovetail" with its own to offer customers a wider service range to existing and potential customers.

Managing director Mark Duggan said: "It has been an ambition of ours to open a depot on the South Coast for some time. We have met many business people from across the county and we feel there is still a need for a one-stop, full-service transport company for the Sussex business community."

Commercial director Simon Duggan said: "We have been achieving annual growth of 30 per cent plus in a very competitive environment and the time is now right for us to extend our services to the South Coast community."

Eezehaul specialises in over-night parcel distribution, same-day courier and haulage, international distribution and warehousing.

It has achieved a competitive edge over its rivals by offering a standard next-day delivery time of 4pm against an industry standard of 5pm to 5.50pm.

Next year the company will be adding battery-powered electric urban delivery vehicles to its 24-strong fleet of light commercial vans and heavy goods lorries.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005