Menzies welcomes new investor and non-executive director as growth strategy gains momentum

Menzies Distribution is pleased to announce that Charles Wilson has acquired a significant minority shareholding in the company and joined the board as a non-executive director with immediate effect.

Charles is a highly respected figure in the food retailing industry, having retired earlier this year as CEO of Booker after 15 years at the helm, including after the company’s merger with Tesco in 2018. His investment in Menzies will represent approximately 10% of the company’s share capital.

The development accelerates the significant momentum already seen in Menzies’ journey over recent months. In January 2021, former Asda CEO Andy Clarke was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman. In December 2020, Menzies sealed a transformational deal combining two of the UK’s major logistics businesses. It acquired Bibby Distribution from the 213-year old, family owned Bibby Line Group, unlocking geographic potential for Menzies while adding 38 new operating sites and a large, young fleet to the well-established and successful Menzies platform.

In September 2018 Endless LLP, the private equity investor, acquired Menzies Distribution as part of the business’s separation from John Menzies PLC. The newly independent company outlined at that time how it would develop the business through widening its service offering and geographical coverage.

Commenting on Charles’s appointment, Andy Clarke, Chairman of Menzies, said:

“Menzies is a great British brand and we are making excellent progress on our journey of growth and diversification. I am delighted to welcome Charles Wilson to the board as a non-executive director and significant shareholder.”

Greg Michael, CEO of Menzies, added:

“Charles Wilson joining Menzies is a fantastic endorsement of our strategy to be the partner of choice to the publishing and retail markets. The team is very excited to be working with Charles to accelerate customer growth opportunities. We are looking forward to the insight that Charles will bring to support our ambitions through our unique set of services and capabilities.”

Aidan Robson, Partner at Endless, said:

“We are very pleased to welcome Charles to the Menzies Board and alongside us as an investor. The business continues to go from strength to strength and the acquisition of Bibby Distribution at the end of last year, coupled with recent highly relevant non-executive appointments, provide a great platform for the further growth and diversification of the Menzies group.”

Charles Wilson said:

“I am delighted to be joining Menzies Distribution as an investor and non-executive director. The company has a strong management team, great colleagues and serves important customers. I look forward to supporting Andy Clarke our Chairman, Greg Michael our CEO and the rest of the Menzies team in helping our customers prosper.”