A Welwyn Garden City-based haulier has acquired an 'historic' North Wales logistics firm.

P W Gates Distribution has purchased a majority shareholding in Mars-Jones Ltd, a 100-year-old North Wales haulier.

The acquisition is expected to bring 'substantial growth' and efficiencies for both firms.

Peter Gates, managing director of P W Gates, said the deal was the result of "months of hard work, without affecting the day-to-day running of either company".

Both companies are members of the Pallet-Track network and believe the acquisition will allow them to expand their palletised freight operations.

Chris Lynch, P W Gates development director, said: "This acquisition benefits our business enormously as it will give us and Mars Jones greater access to new markets.

"It has boosted our growth, and the shared infrastructure will increase our efficiency.

“Combining the companies will increase our services and customer base, offering our clients more diversity, delivering what we promise, together.”

Mars-Jones, established in 1924, will retain all staff and its Sandycroft warehouse facility.

Chris Flynn, managing director of Mars-Jones Ltd, said: "I am looking forward to what the next 100 years holds for Mars-Jones in this, our centenary year.

"We are excited to see what the two businesses will deliver collaboratively."

The combined companies now have four depots, 316,000 sq ft of warehousing, 84 vehicles, and 130 trailers.