Third-party logistics giant DX has expanded its contract logistics and e-commerce capabilities with the acquisition of Northampton-based Fulfil with Synergy (FwS) for an undisclosed sum.

The deal adds 280 staff and specialist retail and e-commerce expertise to the existing DX warehousing and fulfilment offering.

With roots dating back to 1981, FwS provides fulfilment, warehousing and value-added services to retail and high-growth e-commerce brands. The company uses AutoStore robotics and automation to support efficient order fulfilment and real-time inventory visibility, and offers warehousing, retail distribution and returns management. It’s also one of the few UK third-party logistics providers to have an automated, Amazon Seller-Fulfilled Prime-approved hub.

The FwS leadership team, headed by founder and CEO Gary Rees, will remain with the business to lead its next phase of growth as part of DX.

The transaction marks the third acquisition since the group’s take-private by HIG Capital and demonstrates DX’s ongoing commitment to expanding its logistics portfolio both organically and through complementary acquisitions.

Ian Truesdale, chief executive officer of DX, commented: “FwS has earned an excellent reputation with its customers, and we see considerable opportunity to build on what the team has achieved.

“This acquisition marks another important milestone in our strategy to establish DX as a leading integrated logistics partner. Over the past year, we have made substantial progress in developing the business, supported by continued investment in our people and infrastructure. We are creating a business equipped to meet the increasingly complex demands of our customers, with an ambition that extends well beyond what we have achieved to date.”

Rees added: “I’m immensely proud of the business we have built and the reputation we have earned supporting ambitious, fast-growing brands. Our entrepreneurial spirit and personal approach have been central to that success and preserving them is important to me. Joining DX is a decision we have made with confidence. It gives us the opportunity to take FwS further while retaining the ethos our customers value.”