An enhanced CitySprint, leading the UK’s SameDay industry

Back in August I wrote a blog about the challenges and excitement of making acquisitions. Well, here I am picking up on the same thread because, I am thrilled to say, we’ve just entered into two agreements which put us on track to make our fourth and fifth acquisitions in the past twelve months: we are to acquire the courier operations of two fantastic businesses – Lewis Day and Medical Services Limited (formerly known as Medical Couriers).

The Online Retail Roadblock

There are few things worse than wasting precious spare time organising, chasing and re-organising deliveries of online purchases. Chances are that you will miss the redelivery as well, a vicious circle indeed. In fact, it is such a negative experience that recent research commissioned by IMRG shows that over 43% of regular home shoppers view the delivery experience and delivery options as key influencers in their choice of retailer. This is further underlined by statistics from IMRG showing up to 60% online basket abandonment rates.

Making a difference in healthcare

One of the most satisfying things about my job is developing products which make a genuine difference to peoples' lives. That's the case with PathTrak, a new service we've launched to help the NHS improve patient safety, and save money at the same time.

The Acquisition Trail by Patrick Gallagher, Chief Executive of CitySprint

The acquisition trail is far from easy. There is a host of research which put the chances of a merger and acquisition success between 50 and 75 percent. Not great odds for the investment in money and time that can go into such business transactions. 

I personally believe that it is a true privilege to have the opportunity to acquire a business that is often the vendor's life-work. If there is ever a time when "business is personal" then this is it.

I have endeavoured to outline some of the core elements I view as key in ensuring a successful journey. Invariably, these will not be over-complicated but as always, it is the execution that can sometimes prove trickier...