Gosselin, headquartered in Belgium, has announced that it has acquired Doree Bonner International Group in the United Kingdom.

The acquisition is part of Gosselin's strategy to consolidate and strengthen the company’s position in the important market of the United Kingdom, together with its pan-European presence. With 11 branch locations in the country, Doree Bonner has established itself as one of the largest moving services providers, with a strong reputation in local, long-distance, international, office and commercial, and storage services. This adds to Gosselin’s presence in the market, having initially entered in 2017 with its acquisition of DT Moving which it subsequently rebranded to Gosselin in 2020.

To maintain the history of success and leadership continuity at Doree Bonner, Managing Director, Jason Herbert, and Finance Director UK, Simon Norrington, will become shareholders of Gosselin Mobility UK Ltd and will manage the existing Gosselin operation in the United Kingdom in addition to their ongoing management of the Doree Bonner Group. Geoff Watson will also continue his active role in representing and supporting Jason and the business. Gordon Lyall will continue to provide part-time support to Jason and the UK Board over the coming years, ensuring continuity and strategic guidance.

"The acquisition of Doree Bonner is not only an investment in growing our market share in international removals, but also an investment into a strong diversification of our UK business,” said Marcel Jörg, Chief Executive Officer of Gosselin Moving. “Doree Bonner has built a healthy mix between different revenue streams and removal types which made it very successful."

"Our interest was triggered because Doree Bonner is an asset-based organisation with trucks and teams on the ground and we see opportunities to expand the diversified business segments they operate into several of our other branches," added Marc Smet, CEO of the Gosselin Group.

Co-founders of Doree Bonner, Geoff Watson and Gordon Lyall said, “We are delighted to be a part of the Gosselin Group. The transaction strengthens the company for the future and provides further opportunities for growth and for our loyal and energetic team, as part of such a well-respected European brand.”

“Joining the Gosselin family is an immensely proud moment for our company and all its employees,” said Jason Herbert, Managing Director UK. “It is a major compliment to our whole team that their hard work and the strong financial performance resulted in Gosselin identifying DBI as the company to help grow its UK business across both brands.”

The Doree Bonner International Group was established in 1994 but its origins date way back to 1929 when Bonners was founded and then acquired by Dorees Removals in 1953. It employs 180 people who generate sales of £19 million. Its Head Office is in Dartford, Kent.

Photo: Doree Bonner truck.