Newbury: Camp Hopson acquires removals firm

Camp Hopson has expanded its removals business through the acquisition of independent family-owned business Woods Removals.

Thames Valley law firm Charles Lucas & Marshall advised on the deal which will see Camp Hopson acquire the staff, assets and goodwill of the Dorchester-based business.

Brian Allen, managing director of Camp Hopson Removals, said the group was thinking long term and the acquisition was part of Camp Hopson’s strategic goals.

“Our removal business has grown organically and while a lot of our custom is in West Berkshire we regularly work in London and ship all over the world,” he said.

“We have grown as far as we can and for some time have been searching for the right business to continue our expansion.”

Peter Billyard and Lance Parker, corporate services lawyers at Charles Lucas & Marshall, and Paul Wilkinson and Hemant Amin, specialists in commercial property, provided the legal support on the deal which will see Woods continue trading under its own name.

“The two businesses share a similar client profile and culturally, the acquisition is perfect,” said Billyard. “Camp Hopson is thinking beyond the current state of the housing market and has bought a removals and storage business which provides them with an ideal geographical base.”

Camp Hopson Removals is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Camp Hopson group of companies. Apart from the department store in Northbrook Street, Newbury the group also comprises a funeral and furniture business.