CM Downton, the Gloucester-based distribution business which was sold in 2018 to international private equity investor EmergeVest, has rebranded EV Cargo Logistics.
Operating as EV Cargo Logistics, one of six business divisions within global logistics and technology business EV Cargo, it will offer a full UK-wide service, covering both chilled and ambient logistics, across the same operational structure.
CM Downton was formed in 1955 by Conrad Michael Downton, the owner of a small Gloucestershire farm.
Conrad’s son Andy became managing director in 1985 and in 2018 the business was acquired by EmergeVest for £75 million – becoming part of EV Cargo later that year. Andy remains within the business as an advisor to both Downton and EV Cargo Logistics.
The Downton brand will not disappear from the UK’s roads, however, with trailers continuing to have an element of Downton branding in the future.
Zac Brown, CM Downton Managing Director, said: “We have a fantastic workforce across the Downton business and, even though we will now operate as EV Cargo Logistics, the legacy of the Downton name and the culture of quality and customer service upon which the brand was built will still remain. The move will signal an exciting new chapter in the company’s history, helping to secure long-term growth and success under a global brand.”
Duncan Eyre, EV Cargo Logistics Chief Executive, said: “The Downton name is synonymous with service and an ethos to go the extra mile for its customers. Rebranding to EV Cargo Logistics will allow it to build on that legacy and help secure a bright future for the business by expanding its customer offering. It will create advantages for customers in terms of operations, service and the ability to minimise cost increases by operating a lean structure as part of the global EV Cargo business.”
