The owner of Clipper Logistics is plotting to add Wincanton, another of Britain’s biggest logistics companies, to its stable of businesses in a move that would threaten a rival £600m takeover by a French competitor.
Sky News has learnt that GXO, which bought Clipper in 2022 in a deal worth close to £1bn, has approached Wincanton about a potential offer.
The move could derail an agreed deal for a logistics group which counts Asda, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose among its customers, and which employs 20,000 people across Britain.
In a stock exchange statement on Monday morning, Wincanton said it had been approached by a third party, without naming them.
Logistics industry sources said the third party was US-based GXO.
It was unclear whether a takeover of Wincanton by GXO would face serious competition hurdles.
London-listed Wincanton has already agreed a takeover by CEVA Logistics, a French industry player which has a limited UK presence.
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On Monday, Wincanton said it had received an increased final offer from CEVA and that its board unanimously recommended that shareholders accept the 480p-a-share cash offer.
“Shareholders are advised to take no action at this time with regard to the approach by the potential competing bidder,” Wincanton said.
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Wincanton declined to comment on Monday morning, while GXO has been contacted for comment.
