Gateshead fulfilment firm acquired by Buckinghamshire's Whistl

Delivery and fulfilment management giant Whistl has announced the acquisition of the Spark Ecommerce Group, a privately held fulfilment and contact centre firm based in Gateshead.

Formerly known as TNT Group, Whistl has activities in business mail, doordrop media and parcel delivery. Its latest takeover is part of efforts to expand its fulfilment operations.

Founded 20 years ago, Whistl’s new subsidiary has 200 employees and specialises in inbound and outbound customer services, alongside its order-fulfilment operation.

In the past year, the company had a £15m turnover.

The Spark Ecommerce Group is to be rebranded as Whistl Fulfilment as part of the move, but will continue to operate from the North East and the existing operations and leadership team will remain in place.

Nick Wells, CEO of Whistl, said: “We are looking forward to integrating the Spark Ecommerce Group into the Whistl family as part of our strategy to grow our business in the parcel, fulfilment and international arenas.

“Spark brings to Whistl great people, great brands and a shared philosophy of providing outstanding customer services to our clients. This is a great time to become part of the Whistl family.”

Details of the deal’s value have not been announced.

Peter Slee, managing director of Spark Ecommerce Group, added: “We have a great team here at Spark and we have been looking for a partner who can take us to the next level, yet retain our entrepreneurial, customer focussed approach to doing business.

“I look forward to working with Nick and his team to integrate our company into Whistl Fulfilment.”

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