William Stobart's WS Holdco acquires EV Cargo's UK logistics business

WS Holdco, the Knutsford-based investment vehicle of William Stobart, has acquired EV Cargo Solutions and Distribution, the managed transport and contract logistics arm of global freight group EV Cargo, in a deal completed on 17 March 2026. The combined group is projected to generate annual revenues of well over £300 million.

WS Holdco is backed by private equity firm DBAY Advisors and listed through AIM-quoted Logistics Development Group (LDG), which holds a 50.7% interest in the platform having committed £25 million to date. Established only in 2025, the group has already assembled a substantial portfolio that includes parcel delivery network APC, the UK's largest independent parcels carrier, alongside William Stobart & Son, WS Digital Freight, Bis Henderson and WS People Providers.

The acquisition of EV Cargo Solutions and Distribution represents the latest step in a buy-and-build strategy focused on creating a national UK logistics platform with scale across road transport, parcels, warehousing and people services.

The acquired business is headquartered in Ashby-De-La-Zouch, Leicestershire, and draws on the heritage of CM Downton, NFT Distribution and the Jigsaw logistics businesses, all of which were absorbed into EV Cargo during an earlier period of consolidation. It holds long-standing contracts with blue-chip customers across multiple sectors, with operations spanning road logistics, warehousing and fulfilment. The addition brings WS Holdco significant Midlands-based operational capacity and an established customer base built over many decades. The purchase price was not disclosed.

EV Cargo reported total group revenues of £848.7 million and EBITDA of £53.3 million in FY2024, though its Solutions division recorded a modest revenue decline during an ongoing transformation programme, while the rest of the group grew strongly. The divestment is part of a deliberate strategic pivot, allowing EV Cargo to focus on pure-play global forwarding under its Allport brand and its Palletforce pallet network. The sale reduces EV Cargo's debt and frees capital for technology investment, including AI development, and further international expansion across its 21-country network.

Stobart has over 40 years of experience in UK transport and logistics, having joined the family business in his teenage years before rising to Chief Operating Officer of Stobart Group. In 2014 he led the management buyout of Eddie Stobart Logistics, the business that later became Logistics Development Group.

His experience spanning operations, integration and large-scale contract logistics gives WS Holdco a strong foundation from which to absorb and develop the acquired business.

For sellers in the logistics sector, the deal is a further indication that well-capitalised trade buyers with operational expertise are actively pursuing businesses with established customer relationships, scale and proven infrastructure.

See our insight on the UK logistics sector: UK logistics M&A appetite strong despite slower 2025

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