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Brochure distribution firm takeover cleared
The Office of Fair Trading has given approval to BP Travel Marketing Services’ takeover of brochure distribution rival Au Logistics for an undisclosed sum.
A decline in the overall number of brochure packs, down from 12 million five years ago to less than seven million, coupled with falls in the number of high street travel agents, reduced by 25% in three years, are cited as the reasons.
Both BP’s Ashford operation and Au’s Birkenhead business, which employs 75 staff, will continue.
This is because neither site can cope with all the brochures, especially during distribution peaks, according to BP.
Au directors Garry Winterburn and Rick Menzies are leaving the company while current Au commercial director Graham Murray will head the Birkenhead operation.
BP managing director Paul Markland, who will head the new group, said: “Brochure print runs have reduced, so by putting the two sets of volume together we will be able to maintain the current service levels and pricing. All contracts will be honoured.â€
He added: “This acquisition puts BP and Au in a strong position to deal with any effects from current economic downturn, the changes the internet is making to the marketing of holidays and the consolidation of brands and shops resulting from the four into two mergers of the major tour operators.
“Travel agents and brochures are a valuable part of the holiday sales chain and will be for a long time to come.â€
BP was formed in 1972 and is now a division of Orbital Marketing Services Group based in Ashford, Kent.
The privately owned group employs 500 people working across seven locations in the UK.
Other companies within OMSG are JEM Education Marketing Services, Take One Media, PMD Pharmaceutical Marketing Services, JEM Digital Print, Orbital Response & Fulfilment and MacDonald & Magazine Mailing.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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