Hollyport Logistics acquired by Spatial Global

KBS Corporate has received a glowing endorsement from the founder of Hollyport Logistics following the company’s sale to Spatial Global.

Jerry Holmes could not have been happier with the service he received, or the acquirer we identified for the business based near Heathrow Airport which offers global import and export services via air, road and sea.

Explaining the process that resulted in the harmonious, collaborative sale of Hollyport, Jerry explained: “I used KBS to find parties that might be interested in buying my company. I had no previous experience of selling a company and wanted to work with a company that had a good track record of closing sales, which KBS did by providing evidence of many companies they had helped to find a buyer and had closed sales.

“I was given one point of contact in Matthew Sibley (Associate Director) with whom I communicated from start to end. He was a great source of support and information for me personally. I was very grateful to have someone who was not biased and whom I could confide in.

“I turned down many approaches from prospective buyers in a 12-month period, but this did not deter KBS who continued to send me more prospective buyers, both pure investors and companies wanting to acquire the whole business. KBS did not ask me for more marketing money during that period to continue the search, but had faith in their ability and my commitment to close when the right buyer was found.

“Fourteen months later I closed the sale of my company and it proved that the KBS contract cost and their recommended solicitor at a fixed fee were justified.

“The solicitor was brilliant – I will always be grateful for the guidance and support given by Claire Stretton of Shakespeare Martineau.”

Jerry also spoke of how he had quickly established a productive relationship with Mike Wallis of Spatial Global, the Derbyshire-based acquirer which is an award-winning international logistics company offering freight, mail and e-commerce services worldwide.

“Once it was known the business was potentially available, I received a lot of interest,” said Jerry. “I met with many potential buyers but the fit wasn’t great. Then came along Mike Wallis and Spatial Global.

“This was the first time I felt there was a shared vision. Mike was by far the most honest and straightforward of all the people I met through the process. He was someone who I felt I could trust with my loyal team here.

“I was delighted when we were able to agree on the financials and future for Hollyport Logistics. There are exciting times ahead and I feel energised by the opportunities this acquisition holds.”

Mike Wallis is executive chairman of Spatial Global and has been a main board director of parent company Keswick Enterprises Group since 2005.

“The opportunity to acquire Hollyport arose and very early on we saw a business built on the same values we work to,” explained Mike.

“We are very pleased that all staff at Hollyport Logistics will remain as they are vital to the process and relationship with the customers and suppliers, and we are happy to have a Heathrow base going forward.”

Matthew Sibley, KBS Corporate Associate Director, who advised on the transaction, agreed that Spatial and Hollyport were a clear fit from an early stage of proceedings.

“Immediately when we received the enquiry from Mike Wallis of Spatial to receive the information about the opportunity we saw there was obvious synergy that each of the companies could capitalise on and benefit from each other,” said Matthew.

“I’m glad we managed to secure a transaction suitable for both parties.”