Members show support for Landmark and Today's merger

Key wholesale members have thrown their support behind the proposed merger of Landmark Wholesale and Today’s Group, announced last week.

The merged company, called Unitas Wholesale Ltd, is designed to be a larger, more effective and efficient group, dedicated to supporting independent wholesalers.

Marcus Singh, managing director of Landmark member Hyperama Wholesale said the move would create a truly powerful competitive force.

“Our business is competing with the might of Tesco and others and while we are incredibly proud of our £145m turnover we recognise that this is small compared to the multiples.

“With a new ‘supergroup’ we speak with £9bn behind us and a dedicated team keen to put it to good use in partnership with suppliers,” he added.

The proposal has also been given the thumbs up by Today’s member the Dhamecha Group.

Manish Dhamecha said: “The proposal to merge the two organisations has been welcomed by the Today’s Group Board and by coming together we make ourselves more efficient as an independent wholesale channel.

“This will make it much easier for our partners to access.”

Meanwhile, Chris Hughes, managing director of Regal Wholesale, added: “Unitas Wholesale is an exciting opportunity and we are motivated by the principle of openness and a group representing large and small organisations across all trade channels, including specialist businesses such as our own.”

Some suppliers are also supporting the move.

“The proposed merger of Landmark Wholesale and Today’s Group represents an opportunity to synergise the strengths of each group and provide a simplified, consistent and efficient platform for suppliers, wholesalers and retailers,” Andy Topham, commercial controller for off trade wholesale at AB-In Bev UK said.

“We are excited at the prospect of exploring the joint trading opportunities created by Unitas Wholesale,” he added.

Members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposal, with voting closing on September 6. If approved, the transaction is expected to complete by November 2018.