According to Menzies Distribution, the combined businesses, which will trade as Fore, will look after more than 8,000 retail outlets with a combined annual news turnover of £500 million – 12% of the UK market. Customers include M&S, Spar, Boots, Martin McColl, Nisa and One Stop.
Colin Mullins, currently Managing Partner of Fore Partnership will become the Managing Director of Fore, which will incorporate D-Cipher’s existing team, five partners from the Fore Partnership and six staff. D-Cipher’s existing Managing Director Sarah Buik, will assume the role of Commercial Director within Menzies Marketing Services, which also includes field marketing specialist The Network, Menzies Direct and Menzies Digital Marketing.
MMS Managing Director Jane Dyson (pictured) said: “We’re delighted to be strengthening our portfolio at Menzies Marketing Services, and by combining the skills and expertise of D-Cipher and the Fore Partnership into Fore, we are confident we will both enrich our offer and increase our reach. Our two businesses have similar philosophies, strong reputations and are complementary in terms of customer base and skill sets. They’re a perfect fit.”
Fore Managing Director Colin Mullins said: “We are excited by the creation of Fore, bringing together the excellent reputation of two great businesses. We look forward to working with new and existing retail partners to grow sales for our retail clients, publishers, distributors, wholesalers and other new suppliers.”
