John Menzies plc's distribution arm has been sold to private equity investor Endless LLP, in a deal worth £74.5m.

The acquisition gives Edinburgh-based Endless control of Menzies Distribution Limited and all associated subsidiaries. The company will continue Menzies’ focus on media distribution, and plans to secure further partnerships with publishers and national parcel carriers.

Commenting on the deal, NFRN national president Mike Mitchelson said: “After a period of uncertainty surrounding the future of Menzies Distribution, we cautiously welcome the stability that this announcement should bring. We look forward to meeting with the new owners in due course to understand its plans, vision and how it sees the future of newspaper and magazine distribution.”

“At the same time, we will take the opportunity to share members’ concerns about current practices in the supply chain which, hopefully, Endless will address,” he adds. “We look forward to seeing some real improvements in the working relationship between the news wholesaler and its retail customers, and would welcome some much-needed investment.”

The deal will take effect once it is approved by John Menzies plc’ shareholders and cleared by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland.

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