PKF Smith Cooper’s Corporate Finance team has advised long-standing clients and shareholders of West Transport Group, Martin Major and Diane Ormsby, on the successful sale of the business to Lockwood Group, creating a significant provider of transport and warehousing in the East Midlands.
West Transport Group, comprising William West & Sons (Ilkeston) Limited and William West Distribution Limited, is a long‑established, family‑owned logistics business based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Founded in 1899, the business has built a proud heritage over more than 125 years, delivering transport, warehousing, trailer rental, and authorised testing facility (ATF) services to customers across the UK.
Operating from its Ilkeston base, West Transport Group provides specialist haulage solutions, handling palletised consignments from single pallets through to full 44‑tonne loads, supported by modern warehousing facilities. The Group has also diversified its offering over time through trailer rental services and a state‑of‑the‑art ATF, providing MOT testing and related services for commercial vehicles and PSVs.
The transaction strengthens Lockwood Group’s operational capabilities and network, while ensuring continuity for customers and employees and creating further opportunities for growth.
The acquisition by Lockwood Group, a family‑run logistics, warehousing and contract packing group headquartered in Derbyshire, represents a major milestone for both parties. Lockwood Group confirmed that the transaction represents its second acquisition in the past three years, reflecting the continued growth of the Group and its expansion across the haulage, warehousing and logistics sector.
Our Corporate Finance team acted as lead sell‑side advisors, supporting the shareholders throughout the transaction, including preparation, buyer engagement, negotiations and project management through to completion. We also provided tax advice to the shareholders, led by Natasha Scott (Corporate Tax Partner).
Martin Major commented: “Going through the sale of West Transport Group was a daunting task for Diane and myself, but we knew that the team at PKF Smith Cooper would support and guide us through the process. James Bagley, Managing Partner, has been looking after our audit for years; he introduced us to Claire and the corporate finance team, and we couldn’t have been happier with their involvement. Claire’s many years of experience, working closely with Roger Harcourt, Chloe Hodges and Sukhpal Bhamrah at Shakespeare Martineau, helped us navigate through some complex issues, protecting our value throughout, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her, Joe and Joe, with plenty of support from Natasha Scott who provided excellent transaction tax advice.”
Claire Spencer (Corporate Finance Partner) who led the transaction, supported by Joe Anderson (Corporate Finance Manager) and Joe English (Corporate Finance Executive), added: “It has been a real pleasure working with Martin and Diane on this transaction. They have built an impressive business with a proud heritage and strong values, culturally aligned with Lockwood Group, and it was important for them to find a partner who would respect that legacy while supporting future growth. Lockwood Group is an excellent fit, and we are delighted to have supported Martin and Diane through what is a significant milestone for the business.”
The deal further demonstrates PKF Smith Cooper Corporate Finance’s strength in advising owner‑managed and family‑owned businesses on strategic sales, particularly within the transport and logistics sector, with this being the fifth of five transactions completed in one week.
If you are an owner‑managed or family‑owned business considering your options for the future, our Corporate Finance specialists can support your decision-making process. Contact us to find out how our services can help you achieve your goals.
