Scania expands wholly owned network with TruckEast acquisition
Scania (Great Britain) Limited has acquired independent Scania dealer TruckEast, in a deal which will see the company’s 17 sites in the east of England – including those at Bury St Edmunds, Northampton, Norwich, Milton Keynes and Peterborough – join the Swedish truck maker’s wholly owned UK network.
Scania GB said it would be “business as usual” in operational terms for the TruckEast branches and workforce. The deal follows Scania GB’s acquisition of Haydock Commercial Vehicles and its six-strong north-western branch network earlier this year.
Scania GB added that it would work closely with TruckEast and Haydock over the coming months to establish best ways of working.
The deal will see John Biggin, the owner of TruckEast, hand over the reins to the business he has led and grown for 18 years. He will be succeeded as chairman by Chris Newitt, managing director for Scania UK. Andreas Ödebrink, Scania GB’s chief financial officer, and business operations director Emma Wilkins, will also be joining the board.
Chris Newitt said: “Today is a significant occasion, as we show our commitment to our valued customers, by sustaining Scania’s UK dealer and service network for the future.
“I’m very pleased to be welcoming our TruckEast colleagues, and they will be great additions to our Scania GB family.
“We hope to learn, grow and develop our businesses together, not only for our own benefit, but also for every Scania owner in the UK.”
John Biggin described the transfer as a “bittersweet moment”.
“Firstly, I will be saying goodbye to a business I cherish and to the incredible colleagues who have made TruckEast what it is today,” he said.
“After 18 years, stepping away is not easy, but I do so with immense pride in what we have achieved together.
“I’m happy that TruckEast’s future is secure, and I believe in its continued success in the safe hands of Chris and the Scania GB team.
“Together, I know that both businesses will thrive, and our customers will benefit from greater capabilities and support for the future.”
