An investment group led by William Stobart has agreed a deal to acquire a next-day delivery parcel network focused on specialised parcels and is in talks to buy a further business as part of a plan to create a new national transport and logistics platform.
The group, Framtid TopCo, is backed by WS Holdco, DBAY Advisors and investors.
It has agreed to acquire a 78.32 per cent interest in The Alternative Parcels Company (APC).
The existing legacy and depot shareholders along with management will retain a stake in the business.
APC is the largest independent parcel delivery network in the UK. The network processed more than 30 million parcels in the year to 30 March 2025.
APC’s first and last mile is operated by its 90-plus locally concentrated depots owned by entrepreneurial network members, which allows them to provide quicker response times and more tailored customer service.
The firm was said to have particular strength in niche parcels including fragile, liquid and high-value parcels.
Following a series of successful investments in the logistics sector, DBAY is now pursuing the strategic vision to create a new national transport and logistics platform in the UK.
The acquisition of APC marks the initiation of this strategy. William Stobart will lead the group as chief executive.
Stobart has more than 40 years of experience in the UK transport and logistics industry. He has played a key role in some of DBAY's most successful logistics investments, including the carve-out of Eddie Stobart from Stobart Group plc in 2014 and the turnaround of Eddie Stobart Logistics in 2019, following the listing of the company in 2017. Stobart was instrumental in transforming Eddie Stobart from a regional operator into a UK market leader in transportation and warehousing.
William Stobart, chief executive of WS Holdco, said: "We are looking forward to working closely with The APC's management team and network members to bring the passion of their entrepreneurial businesses together to strengthen our service proposition, continuing to support and accelerate the growth of our customers."
Andy Evans, chairman at The APC, added: "William and the new ownership structure align strongly with the values of The APC and will play a pivotal role in our mission to support sustained growth of both the business and our network.”
Eversheds Sutherland was appointed as legal advisors and PwC as corporate finance and tax advisors during the transition to new ownership.
DBAY is also in exclusive discussions to acquire William Stobart & Son Ltd from WS Group, which specialises in general road haulage and warehousing for FMCG and consumer markets.
David Pickering, former chief executive of Eddie Stobart, has joined William Stobart & Son Limited as CEO. He brings operational expertise and a strong track record in managing large logistics networks.