Award-winning supply chain and logistics provider Menzies Distribution Solutions (MDS) has acquired the transport division of family-owned logistics firm C Butt, adding long-standing customer relationships, an experienced team and extra fleet capacity to its growing operation.
The deal brings a well-established Northamptonshire operation into MDS’ national network, with 29 drivers, office and finance colleagues and 102 fleet assets transferring to MDS.
For C Butt’s customers, including businesses in the industrial, food, packaging and retail sectors, the move means they will retain the local teams and expertise they know in Northampton and Kettering, now supported by MDS’ nationwide coverage, 24/7 operations and ongoing investment in innovation.
MDS employs almost 2,000 people and operates 400 vehicles and 1,200 trailers, including the UK’s largest high-cube fleet. It also manages 1.4 million sq ft of warehousing across eight locations and 34 dedicated customer sites, serving blue-chip customers across packaging, FMCG, manufacturing, retail and industrial sectors. The business was named Motor Transport’s ‘Network of the Year’ in 2025.
C Butt was established in 1926 by Charles Butt and his nephew William Butt and has been run by the family for three generations, building a reputation for reliable, responsive service. With no new family members stepping into the business, directors Jonathan and Robert Butt have chosen to retire from the near century-old firm.
Jonathan and Robert Butt said: “We’re proud of C Butt’s history as a family-owned logistics company and grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us. In MDS, we have chosen a partner with the scale, systems and culture to support those customers in the next phase. We are confident this transition will be smooth and that our people and customers will be well looked after.”
The acquisition strengthens MDS’ presence in the Midlands logistics corridor and adds further depth in key sectors including packaging, FMCG and manufacturing. Customers will also gain access to MDS’s wider services including contract logistics, warehousing, international services and value-added solutions, alongside its high cube trailer capacity.
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