UWS is set to enhance its market presence by acquiring Time Wholesale Services (TWS), marking a significant milestone in its five-year growth strategy announced earlier this year. This acquisition will establish UWS’s fourth cash and carry location and its inaugural establishment in England.
Located in Glasgow, UWS will officially take over the TWS site starting July of this year. Chris Gallagher, Managing Director of UWS, stated,
“This is a significant first step towards achieving our goal of exceeding £500 million in revenue.”
He emphasized the shared values between UWS and TWS, noting: “UWS and TWS are independent family wholesalers that share the same core beliefs regarding customers, suppliers, and colleagues. We both pride ourselves on leading the way in innovation and technology, which makes this acquisition a perfect fit.”
Gallagher also highlighted the necessity for investment within the wholesale sector, especially during this period of consolidation. He remarked,
“We are firmly focused on identifying opportunities for growth, and this deal signifies a clear step forward in our plans for expansion.”
Moreover, he hinted at exciting future plans for the London depot, indicating,
“We have some incredibly exciting plans for the London depot which we will share at the right time.”
Sony Bihal, Managing Director of TWS, will continue to oversee the London team. He views the acquisition as a promising opportunity for growth: “We are delighted to be joining the UWS family; it’s a real opportunity to strengthen our current market and diversify into new markets, not only in retail but catering as well.”
Bihal also expressed enthusiasm about promoting UWS’s award-winning Day Today and Usave symbol groups in London, noting:
“The opportunity to showcase the UWS award-winning Day Today and Usave symbol groups on the streets of London, alongside their GDK franchise business, is extremely exciting.”
He reassured customers that operations will remain stable for the time being: “It will be business as usual for now, but we will reach out to customers to discuss the implications of the acquisition over the coming weeks.”
Bihal concluded by affirming that clients will continue to receive the high level of support to which they are accustomed: “Our customers, suppliers, and colleagues in London will continue to receive elevated levels of support that they have always received from Time Wholesale Services.”
UWS is a proud member of Unitas Wholesale, a Doncaster-based buying group that includes a wide range of cash and carry businesses across the UK.
John Kinney, Managing Director of Unitas, added, “UWS is a dynamic and forward-thinking member of Unitas, and we are thrilled to see them bringing their exceptional proposition to retailers in London and the South of England.”
He pointed out that independent wholesalers are actively pursuing growth opportunities, stating,
“This move by UWS is a clear example of this ambition in action, and there is more to come. Despite economic pressures and unhelpful interventions from the [UK] Government, our wholesalers continue to invest in supporting independent retailers, the foodservice sector, and on-trade customers.”
