MSX announces management buyout

Macintyre Scott Xtra (MSX), a UK specialist in bonded warehousing, has announced a management buyout by its senior management team.

The new owners of MSX will comprise: Peter Blatch, Business Development Director; Rob Glanville, Operations Director; and Mark Pullen, Finance Director.

Starting in the industry in 1974, and owned by the Ridges-Jones family for nearly 35 years, MSX established its reputation as a pioneering distributor of beers, wines, spirits and confectionary in the travel retail industry.

Nicola Ridges-Jones became Managing Director of MSX in 2004 after the company was left to her following the death of her father. Nicola’s leadership, combined with the support of her management team, has seen the business go from strength to strength.

Commenting on the buyout, Ms Ridges-Jones, said: “Being a family business, MSX has always been a huge part of my life. When my father died, my driving ambition was always to make MSX the best in class as a tribute to him.

“I know that I am leaving MSX in the capable hands of the executive management team that I have worked with for a long time. They have been instrumental in helping me grow the business to the success it is today. I have complete confidence that Peter, Rob and Mark will build on this strong position and take MSX even further.”

In 2010, Rob Glanville joined MSX as Operations Manager and oversaw its relocation to new, larger warehousing premises in Hampshire that doubled the size of its operational capability.

Shortly after the relocation in 2011, the company rebranded to MSX and Peter Blatch joined as Business Development Manager. He was successful in helping the business grow by capitalising on its increased warehousing capacity.

In 2012, Mark Pullen joined the executive team as its new Finance Controller. A qualified chartered accountant, he played a significant strategic role in supporting the company’s growth plans.

Mr Blatch said:“For our clients, suppliers and staff it’s business as usual, only more so. Rob, Mark and I have enjoyed helping Nicola grow MSX together and are delighted that she has trusted us to take the company forward.

“In terms of what’s next for MSX, we want to re-energise the company, grow our market share and continue developing our new luxury goods category we launched in 2016. Innovation has always been key to our growth, so it’s important that we continue to anticipate trends within our market so that we can continue to deliver the exceptional service that our customers have come to expect.”

Based in Hampshire, UK, notable clients include World Duty Free, NAAFI, Carnival UK (Cunard & P&O Cruises), Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Fred Olsen, Brittany Ferries, P&O Ferries and Condor Ferries.

Pictured (from left to right): Mark Pullen, Nicola Ridges-Jones, Peter Blatch, Rob Glanville.