Dublin logistics specialist Dixon acquires Carna Transport

Dublin logistics specialist Dixon acquires Carna Transport

Monaghan-based Carna Transport Group has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by leading Irish temperature-controlled transport business Dixon International Logistics.

The move further strengthens Dixon’s presence in Ireland and advances its ambition to be the leading temperature-controlled logistics partner connecting Ireland, the EU and the UK.

Carna was established in 1973 by Barry Hughes, and it currently operates a fleet of 160 vehicles and has 200 staff.

It specialises in the movement of goods to and from Ireland, the UK and across Europe, and has become the carrier of choice for many of the world’s leading blue-chip manufacturers.

Carna represents the first acquisition by Dixon since Irish growth capital investor erisbeg invested in the company last December.

The Carna business will continue to operate independently, with all the existing team from its current locations in Monaghan and Armagh. But managing director Barry Hughes and his daughter Bronagh will be stepping away following the sale’s completion.

Michael Dixon, managing director at Dixon, said: “We’re delighted to have completed the acquisition of Carna.

“We’ve been hugely impressed with the operation that Barry and his team have built over the years and believe that Carna represents an excellent strategic fit for our business, complementing our market-leading transport and logistics service offering.

“As a long-standing successful Irish business, Carna has a great deal in common with Dixon, and we look forward to working with all the Carna team to continue to grow the business and support our customers.

“Geographically, the location of Carna’s operation blends seamlessly into our own business, enhancing our customer service and allowing best-in-class practices to be shared with our existing Dixon operations in Dublin and Coventry.”

Barry Hughes added: “The acquisition of Carna Transport by Dixon International Logistics marks a significant new chapter in our memorable journey.

“We’re incredibly proud of the business that we have created over the past 50 years as a solely owned Irish run operation. That success wouldn’t have been possible without our loyal and dedicated team, some of whom have been with me since day one, our hugely supportive clients and a great network of supply partners across our industry.”

He added: “Dixon’s interest in acquiring Carna is testament to what we have built and now creates a path for further growth of the Carna offering, strengthened by a market-leading new owner. I wish the team the very best for the future and I look forward to seeing the next exciting chapter of Carna Transport unfold.”