GDL (Holdings) Ltd, of North Tawton, the parent company of Gregory Distribution Limited has bought Kay Transport from its owners, Steve and Sheila Winzer.

Kay Transport is also a West Country based transport and distribution business, with an annual turnover of about £10 million. It employs 140 people at its base in Plymouth and other depots in Newton Abbot and Gloucester.

It was founded in 1978 by Steve and his wife and over the last 30 years has developed a strong reputation for service and reliability.

Kay Transport will continue to trade under the same name in its familiar red livery. Steve told the Courier: "I see the sale to Gregory Distribution as a positive move for my business. We are now part of a larger organisation without losing our identity and this is good news for both customers and staff. "

Chief Executive John Gregory added :"This is an opportunity for both companies to extend the range of services provided. By working alongside our existing business it will offer even more flexibility and resource to our customers."

The sale price has not been disclosed but it is estimated that the combined turnover will be around £100 million, employing a staff of 1,300 across 17 operating locations in England and Scotland."