LOGISTICS company Stiller Group has acquired a Yorkshire transport company to help bolster one of its divisions.

The Stockton company has acquired James Durrans Transport Limited for an undisclosed sum.

The move has been hailed by Stiller Group as an important part of its strategy to expand its bulk transport sector and expand into Europe.

The acquisition of James Durrans Transport, a division of Barnsley-based James Durrans and Sons, will see the Stiller Group fleet increased by 18 tractor units and 21 tankers and trailers.

Stiller Group has an annual turnover of more than £60m and employs more than 650 staff at ten locations nationwide.

Ian Marshall, managing director of Stiller Group, said the acquisition was an important move for the company.

"This acquisition gives us a strong and expanding equipment platform from which to continue to grow our established tanker division,"

he said.

"The Durrans portfolio is a perfect fit with our current business profile, as culturally the two companies are very similar and share many of the same very focused business aims and values."

As part of Stiller Tankers, James Durrans Transport will continue to operate from its base in Barugh Green, Barnsley.

The existing team will continue to manage the business on a day-to-day basis, supported by Stiller Group's management team.