Fox Group has reached an agreement with Associated British Ports for the acquisition of its ports in Fleetwood and Silloth. Fox Jackson Ports, established for the acquisition, is part of Fox Group, a fourth-generation, family-owned and Blackpool headquartered construction, logistics and property group.
It specialises in property, quarrying, the supply and haulage of aggregates, recycled materials, earthworks, plant hire, civil engineering, and waste solutions. Fox provides services to a range of customers across the house building, civils, maritime, infrastructure, highways and wider construction sectors.
Current owners Associated British Ports (ABP) confirmed it has reached an agreement with Fox Group (Fox) for the acquisition of its ports in Fleetwood and Silloth, subject to the necessary approvals.
Fox Group says ports and maritime is “an attractive opportunity to further develop and strengthen its business strategy.”
The group has recently celebrated the first anniversary of Fox Maritime, a now established shipping brokerage along with stevedoring operations at Glasson Dock, Lancaster.
Paul Fox, chief executive of Fox Group and Andrew Duckett, CEO of JA Jacksons said: “The acquisition of the ports of Fleetwood and Silloth aligns with our long-term vision for sustainable growth as a company and develops our long established and extensive property portfolio.
“We look forward to working closely with local communities, businesses and stakeholders to ensure the continued success and development of these vital ports and the economic development of the Northwest.”
Fox Group has a strong connection to the area, with CEO Paul Fox growing up in nearby Thornton. The company was started in Blackpool in 1932, while predominantly operating around the Wyre and Fylde coast.
He has since chosen to headquarter the nationwide company here along with other owned assets. Fox Jackson Ports wants to add value to the Port and for it to be integral to the success of Fleetwood as a whole.
The completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory clearances, such as the transfer of the appropriate Harbour Authority authorisations, and customary closing conditions.
Source: ABP, Fox Brothers.
