Joint Venture

RNS Number : 2041N

Wincanton PLC

08 June 2010

 



For immediate release                                                                                                     8 June 2010

Wincanton plc

A new dimension in custodial services

Wincanton combines forces with Serco to bid for contracts to manage prisoner escort services on behalf of the Ministry of Justice

Wincanton plc ("Wincanton" or the "Group"), a leading European provider of supply chain and business outsourcing services, has entered into a joint venture with international service and business outsourcing provider, Serco. Its first initiative will be to bid for contracts to manage the escort of prisoners on behalf of the Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS).

PECS, which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice, is responsible for the escort of prisoners to and from courts in England and Wales - around one million people each year.

The venture will see the creation of a new company, Serton, harnessing Wincanton's logistics and fleet management expertise with Serco's proven track record in custodial services.

Wincanton is a FTSE-listed pan-European UK-based organisation with a turnover of £2.36 billion employing 30,000 people. With a proven track record in international logistics, the company works in partnership with a host of blue-chip clients to help them run their businesses more efficiently.

Serco is a FTSE-100 international service company employing 70,000 people around the globe. With £10 billion worth of public and private contracts, Serco already manages four UK adult prisons for the Ministry of Justice and also runs custodial facilities in Australia and Germany.

Graeme McFaull, Chief Executive, Wincanton, said:

"We are delighted to be working with Serco and creating a powerful alliance of equal partners. Our two companies share similar values, defined by an uncompromising commitment to excellent customer service.

"By combining Wincanton's experience across the supply chain with Serco's seasoned expertise in custodial services, the new company will get the best from both organisations.

"There is an increasing enthusiasm of governments around the world for public private partnerships, and we will provide dedicated, assured services for all stakeholders while maximising care and professionalism."

Enquiries:

Wincanton plc                                                

Graeme McFaull, Chief Executive                      

Gerard Connell, Group Finance Director

Tel: [phone]    

Buchanan Communications  

Charles Ryland / Jeremy Garcia / George Prassas

020 7466 5000

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