Glasgow wholesaler United Wholesale Scotland (UWS) has announced the acquisition of Time Wholesale Services‘ (TWS) depot in London, thereby expanding its footprint south of the border for the first time.
UWS' latest acquisition has added a fourth cash and carry location to the Unitas member’s network , allowing the firm to expand further in the UK’s retail network.
Chris Gallacher, managing director at UWS, said, “This is a significant first step toward achieving our goal of exceeding £500million in revenue. UWS and TWS are independent family wholesalers that share the same core beliefs regarding customers, suppliers, and colleagues.
“We both pride ourselves on leading the way in innovation and technology.
“At a time of consolidation and change in the sector, we have recognised the need to invest both in our business and the wholesale sector.
“We are firmly focused on identifying opportunities for growth and this deal signifies a clear step forward in our plans for expansion.
“We have some incredibly exciting plans for the London depot which we will share at the right time, and we look forward to taking over in July.”
UWS will officially take over the TWS' London depot in July.
The acquisition of TWS depot will also boost the growth of UWS' ’symbol group stores – Day-Today and Usave – on the streets of London.
Sony Bihal, managing director of TWS, will continue to lead the London team and has reassured the firm’s current customers that they will continue to receive “elevated level of support” in the coming weeks and that it is “business as usual, for now”.
He said, “This is a positive next step for TWS, it is an opportunity for growth for me and our London team. We are delighted to be joining the UWS family.
“It’s a real opportunity to strengthen our current market and diversify into new markets, not only in retail but catering as well."
Unitas Wholesale managing director John Kinney said, “Independent wholesalers are not standing still in a challenging market — they are actively seeking our growth opportunities.
“This move by UWS is a clear example of this ambition in action, and there is more to come.
“Despite economic pressures and unhelpful interventions from the government, our wholesalers continue to invest in supporting independent retailers, the foodservice sector, and on-trade customers.”
