Hill Dickinson advises secured mail in DHL acquisition deal

International law firm, Hill Dickinson, has advised postal operator Secured Mail on the acquisition of the Downstream Access (DSA) Division of DHL Global Mail UK Ltd. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, which is set to complete on 1 February 2012, increases Secured Mail’s share of the market and confirms its status as one of the major players in the UK postal sector.

The Hill Dickinson team was led by corporate partner Craig Scott and corporate solicitor Mike Murphy. On the deal, Craig Scott, said: “We are delighted to have been able to assist Secured Mail again, this being the group’s first acquisition since completing the secondary buy out backed by Next Wave Partners which completed in May 2011. Having acted for the group since 2007, this latest acquisition hopefully represents a key chapter in their impressive growth story to date and strengthens its position in the UK postal sector market with a view to future growth.”

Mark Bigley, managing director of Secured Mail, said: “This is a significant acquisition for Secured Mail that clearly signals our ambitions for the future. DHL Global Mail UK’s network and national coverage in the Downstream Access market, allied to Secured Mail’s existing services and client-base, creates a significant player in the postal market and cements our position in the marketplace.”

Secured Mail’s head office is in Warrington, with facilities in Dartford, Kent. The company employs 150 and clients include Amazon, Centrica and Southern Water. Existing clients of DHL Global Mail UK’s DSA unit include Debenhams, Mothercare and National Australia Group.