Mon, 12 Jan 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
A logistics provider offering specialist services to the airfreight industry has been acquired out of administration in a deal that saves more than 150 jobs. Circle Express Limited specialises in next-day and same-day delivery across the UK.
The company fell into administration on December 19, 2025, with Dean Watson and Paul Stanley of Begbies Traynor appointed as joint administrators, after reportedly running into financial difficulties.
The company’s business and assets were subsequently acquired by logistics company Trilogy Logistics. Manchester-headquartered Trilogy Logistics, which has an additional office in Slough, also provides specialist services to the airfreight industry.
According to administrators, the newly revealed acquisition meant that there was no disruption to Circle Express’ business services, with customers serviced and employees paid on time.
Headquartered at London Heathrow, Circle Express has additional depots in Aberdeen, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Exeter. In the period from April 4 2023 to September 30 2024, the company reported turnover of around £34.7 million, compared to £27.3 million in the year to March 31 2023.
Despite operating losses widening from around £367,000 to £7.7 million, the company moved from a pre-tax loss of approximately £522,000 to a profit of around £9.4 million.
Begbies Traynor partner and joint administrator Dean Watson said: "Circle Express was long established, but it fell into financial difficulties and had to be placed into administration.”
"The directors of both Circle Express and its new owner made it clear they wanted to see the employees and their wages protected, therefore we needed to act quickly. Working under strict deadlines we were grateful to get this transaction completed before entering the Christmas period."
Trilogy Logistics Managing Director Craig Mills said that it was important to get the deal completed and to ensure that employees were paid on time.
He continued: "Circle Express has a good reputation in the industry and may have run into financial difficulties, but with some restructuring of its activities, it has the ability to be a successful business in the future supporting continued employment.”
"The business, and its talented employees, have the potential to thrive and we aim to help them do that as part of Trilogy Logistics. We are now looking forward to creating a bright future for the business and workforce in 2026."
In its most recent accounts, Circle Express’ fixed assets were valued at £393,513 and current assets at £6.8 million. However, net liabilities amounted to approximately £2.6 million.
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