Cowgills advises on sale of transport business Austin Wilkinson

Cowgills has provided corporate finance support and advice to haulage business Austin Wilkinson which has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by Burnley-based EFS Global.

Based in Atherton, Austin Wilkinson provides haulage, freight forwarding and logistics services. EFS Global is one of the North West’s largest freight forwarding and haulage groups.

Commenting on the deal which he led with Ian Johnson, Cowgills corporate finance associate director Ben Barlow said: “We have been working with James and Peter Wilkinson for a number of years and we are delighted to advise them on the sale of their business.  The business has been family run for the last 60 years so the sale was a big step for James and Peter.  EFS are a buyer who have been on a buy and build over recent years and I’m sure Austin Wilkinson will be a further success for them.”

Selling shareholders James and Peter Wilkinson commented, “The expertise and professionalism displayed by the Cowgills team in the execution of our sale was exceptional and it was a rare insight into the detailed exchanges that are undertaken in such transactions. In short, appointing Cowgills lifted a weight from our shoulders.”

Mark Jones, EFS Global managing director, said: “Austin Wilkinson is a much respected name so we are pleased to welcome them to the EFS group of companies. I’m sure it will be a positive acquisition as we continue to grow.”

Paul Raftery and Barry Riley of Weightmans advised the sellers of Austin Wilkinson. The corporate team at law firm David Blank Furniss advised EFS Global on all aspects of the transaction including legal due diligence and transactional matters.