Drivers, Employees, Europe, Haulage

Schenk Announces Strategic Acquisition of Suttons Tankers Ltd UK

Papendrecht, October 30, 2024 – Schenk Tanktransport, one of the leading tank transport companies in North-West Europe, announces the acquisition of Suttons Tankers Ltd., a renowned tank transport company from the UK. With this strategic acquisition, the company expands its European coverage and strengthens its service offering.

With this acquisition, Schenk grows by almost 50% to a turnover of €440m and over 2,600 employees. Schenk then has a fleet of over 1,450 trucks, 1,300 own trailers and 1,000 tank containers.

Strengthening the market position

With the acquisition of Suttons Tankers, Schenk is fulfilling its intended expansion of its service in key markets, building on its strong foundation of excellent performance in existing markets and expanding into new product segments.  

Suttons Tankers is a leading UK tanker transport company. This 100 year old family business has an excellent track record and reputation, and therefore fits well with Schenk’s core values. Like Schenk, Suttons serves a well-established clientele. It provides tanker transport of various types of chemicals, gases, (bio)fuels, liquid waste and powders within the UK. Suttons’ UK network provides Schenk with a platform for accelerated growth through the integration of existing client portfolios and through activities to and from the UK.

A smooth transition

Suttons Tankers will continue under the name Schenk UK. The business will continue under the existing management, led by Managing Director, Michael Cundy and Finance Director, Chris Orger. This will ensure a smooth integration process, while maintaining the quality of service and relationships with existing customers that have made the business a trusted name in the industry.

‘We are delighted to welcome Suttons Tankers to the Schenk Group’ says Marcel Claessen, CEO of Schenk Tanktransport . ‘This acquisition not only strengthens our position in the market, but also offers both companies the opportunity to leverage each other’s strengths and knowledge, enabling us to offer even better services to our customers throughout Europe. We are confident that this partnership will stimulate growth and innovation.’

‘Over the past 10 years we have seen significant growth and development within Suttons Tankers, always under the leadership and support of our shareholders and non-executive team’ said Michael Cundy, Managing Director of Suttons Tankers Ltd. ‘We are now a strategically positioned business to deliver long-term growth and excellent service to our customers. The acquisition by Schenk strengthens our long-term relationships with our markets and represents an exciting new chapter for our business. The progress we have made and the opportunities we now have would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our teams.

About Schenk

Schenk is a leading tank transport company in North-West Europe. Schenk specializes in the transport of Liquid Food, Chemicals, Gases and (bio) Fuels.

Schenk has over 1,750 employees, generates a turnover of approximately €300 million and has locations throughout the working area. The head office is located in Papendrecht (NL). In addition, there are own branches in Antwerp (BE), Leudelange (LU) and Gelsenkirchen (DE). With branches throughout Europe, the company focuses on delivering innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of customers.  

Independent private equity firm Argos Wityu acquired a majority stake in Schenk in 2021 as part of a succession plan. The company is growing both organically and through selective acquisitions.

About Suttons Tankers Ltd.

Suttons Tankers Ltd. is a renowned name in the UK road transport industry for over 100 years, renowned for safety, quality and service. The company, headquartered in Widnes, has approximately 875 employees, a turnover of €140m and specialises in tank logistics for chemicals, gases, (bio)fuels, powders and liquid waste.