Autumn 2007

PB Logistics, the specialist garment distribution business with an online fulfilment wing, has been acquired by Hong Kong-based Integrated Distribution Services Group as part of the sale of its parent company, Peter Black Group, in a deal valued at over £48 million in total.

PB Logistics works for some of the UK's leading retailers, providing distribution, storage and processing solutions. Among its most recently-announced business wins is a UK contract with branded fashion retailer Republic. PB is providing fulfilment for its recently re-launched e-commerce web site.

Parent Peter Black was acquired by private equity group Endless LLP in mid-2006, and Endless has now sold it on to a wholly owned subsidiary of Li & Fung Ltd, a global trading house listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As part of the deal, PB Logistics goes to IDS, which is a member of the Li & Fung Group.

PB Logistics says it has over 2 million sq ft of warehousing in Sheffield, Leeds, Wakefield, Keighley and Leicester, and the company works with over 30 high street retailers including Marks & Spencer and Brooks Brothers.

IDS says it sees the acquisition as providing an entry into Europe.