INDUSTRY PRESS RELEASE 18TH MAY 2011
One of the most entrepreneurial names in the shipping industry has agreed to buy certain of the assets of the Felixstowe-based Johnson Stevens Agencies from the Administrators, PKF.
Andrew Thorne, who owns several shipping companies in the UK and overseas, will take on certain of the shipping lines which were previously represented by the Johnson Stevens business with immediate effect, under the name JSA Global Ltd.
The Felixstowe-based business Johnson Stevens was forced to appoint an administrator after the company became subject to a European trade embargo through their representation of IRISL - the state-run Iranian shipping line. Prior to this troubled period for the business, Johnson Stevens had a rich and successful history and was the leading liner agent in UK.
Andy Thorne, already owns a number of successful shipping companies in the UK and overseas and he said: “This purchase makes our business the UK’s largest liner agency with a group turnover in the region of £50 million and employing over 150 people. This acquisition of Johnson Stevens assets and the lines it represents is good news for our company, the staff of Johnson Stevens and for all our principals.”
Kestrel Liner Agencies is a recipient of the Queen’s Award for International Trade; it was runner up in last year’s National Business Awards and operates from offices in London, Manchester (recently opened), the Humber, Aberdeen and now Felixstowe as well as a host of offices overseas.
This new addition to the Kestrel portfolio is a direct result of the entrepreneurial spirit of its owner Andy Thorne and is a strong reflection of his success in running profitable businesses within the international shipping market.
“I will be approaching the future of JSA with my usual energy and enthusiasm and we will ensure we continue to deliver an industry excellence in service and delivery which is a trademark of our shipping operations, “Mr Thorne added.
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Mary Rudd PR
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