Dixon International Logistics acquires Carna Transport

Leading Irish temperature-controlled transport business Dixon International Logistics is to acquire Monaghan based Carna Transport Limited. This important acquisition further strengthens Dixon’s presence in Ireland and advances its ambition to be the leading temperature-controlled logistics partner connecting Ireland, the EU and the UK.

Carna Transport was established in 1973 by founder and owner Barry Hughes and operates offices in both Monaghan and Armagh. The business specialises in the movement of goods to and from Ireland, the UK and across Europe. Through continuous investment in people and technology, Carna Transport is the award-winning carrier of choice for some of the world’s leading blue-chip manufacturers.

Carna represents the first acquisition by Dixon since erisbeg, an Irish growth capital investor, invested in Dixon in December 2021. The Carna business will continue to operate independently with all the existing team from its current locations in Monaghan and Armagh.  Barry and his daughter, Bronagh Hughes will be stepping away from Carna following the sale to Dixon.

Commenting on the announcement, Michael Dixon, Managing Director of Dixon International Logistics said: “We’re delighted to have completed the acquisition of Carna Transport. Throughout this process we have been hugely impressed with the operation that Barry and his team have built over the years and believe that Carna represents an excellent strategic fit for our business, complementing our market-leading transport and logistics service offering. As a long-standing successful Irish business, Carna has a great deal in common with Dixon and we look forward to working with all the Carna team to continue to grow the business and support our customers. Geographically, the location of Carna’s operation blends seamlessly into our own business, enhancing our customer service and allowing best-in-class practices to be shared with our existing Dixon operations in Dublin and Coventry.”

Barry Hughes, owner and Managing Director of Carna Transport said: “The acquisition of Carna Transport by Dixon International Logistics marks a significant new chapter in our memorable journey. We’re incredibly proud of the business that we have created over the past 50 years as a solely owned Irish run operation. That success wouldn’t have been possible without our loyal and dedicated team, some of whom have been with me since day one, our hugely supportive clients and a great network of supply partners across our industry. Dixon’s interest in acquiring Carna is testament to what we have built and now creates a path for further growth of the Carna offering, strengthened by a market-leading new owner. I wish the team the very best for the future and I look forward to seeing the next exciting chapter of Carna Transport unfold.”