Our corporate team has advised Lancaster-based RG Bassett & Sons on the acquisition by Stoke-based S J Bargh.

Logistics group S J Bargh, which specialises in milk collection and distribution and whose customers include Arla Foods, Joseph Heler, and Müller Milk, has acquired RG Bassett & Sons, which trades as Bassetts, for an undisclosed sum.

Bassetts, which dates back to 1897, employs 100 people at an 11-acre site in the West Midlands. The company, which has a turnover of £8.7m, will continue to operate as a standalone brand within S J Bargh Group.

Claire Bassett, RG Bassett & Sons director, said: "As the owner directors at Bassetts neared their chosen retirement age a decision was made, after five generations stretching back to 1897, to join the S J Bargh family.

"We are delighted, because we know there is a very bright future ahead with S J Bargh, not least because they share our family values and complement our services."

Mills & Reeve corporate partner Paul Johnson, said: “We were pleased to advise the Bassett family on the sale to S J Bargh. The deal. which will ensure the Bassetts name will continue and the family can rest assured that the company is in the hands of a thriving business which shares its beliefs and values.”

Anthony Finlayson-Green, managing director of S J Bargh Group, added: "Our shareholders and board recognise Bassetts for their integrity, commitment to quality and operational excellence.

"We made this strategic step because there is tremendous synergy between our companies and we are delighted Bassetts are joining the S J Bargh family. The customers of both companies will also benefit as together we offer greater scale with a larger team, more vehicles and warehousing, and a host of complementary services."