The parent company of Cumbrian institution Eddie Stobart has announced that a new company will take over the brand from this month.

Culina Group has announced an agreement to take over GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions, which owns Eddie Stobart as from this month onwards.

Eddie Stobart, which has bases at Carlisle Airport and a depot at Lillyhall, near Workington, has a rich history in the region, with the sale set to secure stability for the company.

Eddie Stobart confirmed: “GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions will benefit from private ownership with protection of their brands for years to come. The move will also provide job retention, investment, and will bring an entrepreneurial spirit.

“GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions and Culina Group are complementary businesses, two very strong organisations with great reputations in the industry and with similar cultures. This is an excellent fit which is going to be fantastic for both our staff and for our clients, whilst making Culina Group the largest FMCG logistics provider in the UK”, said Thomas van Mourik, Culina Group CEO.

“It goes without saying that we are acquiring some excellent contracts, facilities and people. This move significantly expands our ambient network and will enable us to [...] improve our service offer to customers even further.”

“Culina Group recognises that it is investing in a highly successful business with its own great family spirit. Culina Group’s aim now is to support our growth trajectory with the added workforce infrastructure and resources of the overall Group.”

Carlisle Mayor Pam Birks welcomed the news, stating: “This will hopefully secure jobs and provide employment for people in the city, creating new opportunities.”

Mayor Birks also expressed her hope that the news will result in further opportunities for local young people to build careers close to home.

“Anything that maintains employment is to be applauded. We need to ensure we keep Carlisle a great place to be.”

“I’m hoping it will also bring people to Carlisle. The city has a wonderful setting.