Tue, 28 Oct 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
Expect Distribution, a national warehousing and logistics company, has expanded with the acquisition of Longs of Leeds, a haulage business based in Leeds. The acquisition enables Expect Distribution to continue its expansion in Yorkshire, while providing an exit for Longs of Leeds’ owners Andrew and Stephen Long.
Headquartered in Bradford, Expect Distribution operates national services including warehousing contract logistics and consolidation services for Amazon vendors. The company employs approximately 450 staff, with clients including household cleaning brand Astonish, greetings card retailer Card Factory and several pharmaceutical companies.
Longs of Leeds is a family-owned haulage business with roots in Leeds dating back to 1918. The company, which has a fleet of more than 100 trucks, provides warehousing and distribution services.
Matthew Kilner, Managing Director at Expect Distribution, described Longs of Leeds as a “respected name in the industry”, adding that the acquisition “not only strengthens our capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to providing flexible, high-quality logistics solutions to businesses across the UK.”
Longs of Leeds’ outgoing Managing Director Andrew Long said: “The time is right to pass the business onto new owners who can take it forward and into its next chapter. I believe the business will continue to grow and thrive under its new owners.”
Longs of Leeds received legal advice from the corporate and commercial property teams at Brabners, including deal structure, advice to the owners and support on the transfer of commercial property leases.
Brett Cooper, a partner in Brabners’ corporate team and expert in the road transport sector, led the team, supported by Chris Beesley, Megan Dent, Mariam Shah and Nikki Whittle.
Cooper said that M&A is on the rise in the transport and logistics industry, with many national and international operators recognising the benefits of growing through acquisitions and how this can help businesses build economies of scale.
Cooper continued: “This acquisition is a great example of that. Longs of Leeds is a quality family business with an experienced team and strong customer base.”
“The deal will allow the company to thrive under new ownership while supporting Expect Distribution’s continued market share growth in Yorkshire and strengthening its national networks.”
Find out how strategic consolidation is driving ongoing strong M&A activity in the UK logistics sector
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