Clipper Logistics


Clipper Logistics plc is a retail logistics company based in Leeds which serves retailers selling fashion, tobacco, alcohol and other high-value goods in the UK and Europe. It has 47 sites across Europe.
Clipper has been a sponsor of Leeds United football club since 2017.

History

Foundation

Steve Parkin founded, Clipper Group, in 1992 with one van delivering clothing for fashion stores.
The company won a number of contracts in the early years with retailers such as Huddersfield-based Bonmarché and Sir Philip Green which helped it to become established in the transport, haulage and warehousing market.

Acquisitions

The company made a number of acquisitions in the 2000s including DTS logistics Ltd, Gagewell Transport Ltd and Northern Commercials Ltd

Stock Market Entry

In 2014 the company was floated on the London Stock Exchange with a valuation of £100 million.

Takeover Attempt

In November 2019, investment fund Sun Capital Partners announced it was considering making a bid for the company, supported by founder and executive Chairman Steve Parkin. Discussions regarding a possible offer took place between the parties, and the views of a number of independent Clipper shareholders were sought. However, the board and Sun Capital were unable to agree terms, consequently, both sides agreed to terminate discussions.

Coronavirus Pandemic Support

In March 2020, the company was given a contract by the NHS Supply Chain for the delivery of personal protective equipment to NHS trusts and care homes.

Charity

In May 2020, the company donated a refrigerated trailer to the food bank run by Leeds United Foundation and Leeds City Council.

Operations

Superdry

It operates a distribution centre for Superdry in Burton-upon-Trent which is to be equipped with 46 Hikrobots, 1,000 transportable pick-wall modules and twelve pick-to-light stations.

John Lewis

In 2016 Clipper and John Lewis Partnership formed a joint venture now knows as Clicklink Logistics Limited to provide click & collect services to high-street retailers

Arcadia

In June 2020 it was announced that clipper would be taking over the logistics operation for Arcadia Group from the current provider DHL. DHL decided not to renew the contract with Arcadia in a strategy designed to move away from low margin high risk contracts.

Share Holders

As of 28 August 2019 the most significant share holders in the company are:
Staff at the company warehouse in Ollerton, Nottinghamshire complained in March 2020 that they were "crammed into corridors" and given no hand sanitiser.

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