Historic Hull shipping firm Whitaker Tankers sold to UK contemporary

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A family-owned shipping business in Hull has been acquired by a UK rival in an undisclosed deal.

Whitaker Tankers, which was set up 144 years ago and provides fuel transport, has been sold to Oxfordshire-based Lindsay Blee. The £23.7m turnover business, which directly employs about 14 people, operates out of premises at Crown Dry Dock in the city, with other bases on the South coast and in Brazil.

The internationally renowned firm was set up in 1880 and operates a fleet of eight ocean going tankers used for ship bunkering – the supply of fuel to other shipping operators. Most recent accounts for the firm covering 2022 mention increased demand for the firm’s services on the back of market turmoil caused by the war in Ukraine.

Mark Whitaker, managing director, whose family has owned the business for 144 years, said: “The success of the Whitaker business has only been achieved through the incredible hard work and professionalism of our staff ashore and afloat – and as there will be no changes in this regard we are confident that there will be a smooth transition to the new owners, of whom we wish the very best in their new venture.”

James Hills, managing director of Lindsay Blee, added: “We are thrilled and very proud to be adding Whitaker Tankers to our organisation. We look forward with excitement to working together with the Whitaker team and building upon their well established success and reputation for quality and service.”

The Whitaker family was represented by legal experts from Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, led by Philip Ashworth (corporate) and including Nicole Waldron (corporate), Rob Hill (property), Fiona Phillips (tax), Dominic Ward and Rebecca Forder (shipping). Accountancy advice came from Steve Bramhall at Smailes Goldie in Hull. Meanwhile Linday Blee was advised by Gosschalks, including Nigel Beckwith and Emma Orris, together with financial advice from Majors in Hull provided by Stewart McGregor.

Philip Ashworth, corporate partner at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, said: “It is particularly poignant to represent the Whitaker family on its exit from the Tankers business after so many years having personally been associated with three generations of the family since 1981. The family strongly believe this is a positive change, providing clarity on the succession of the business to its staff and customers.

“I am sure the business will go from strength to strength and it is a delight to see Mark and his family move forward to their next chapter.”

Original artice – https://business-live.co.uk/all-about/yorkshire-humber

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Historic Hull shipping firm Whitaker Tankers sold to UK contemporary

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