The CEL Group consists of three trading companies: CEL (Logistics), W Carter (Haulage) and CEL (Engineering).

CEL provides UK-wide container haulage, storage and maintenance services, and operates a fleet of 370 vehicles. CEL's portfolio of major shipping lines and freight forwarders significantly broadens Wincanton's customer base.

With operations at all the major UK ports, the acquisition will enable Wincanton to maximise synergy benefits with the integration of its existing container business with CEL.

The move will strengthen operations at the inland container terminal in Alconbury, which provides cost-effective off-dock container storage, and will also enable Wincanton to benefit from the growth in global sourcing and low-cost overseas manufacturing.

According to Wincanton's managing director Jeff Anderson, this strengthening of the company's container activities in the UK complements its intermodal business in mainland Europe.