Culina Launches International Logistics Division to Unify
The move aims to integrate European haulage operations and increase cross-selling for customers moving goods across the Channel.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Business Strategy
Live Poll
Do you believe large corporate rebrandings generally result in better services for customers?
Logistics provider Culina has launched a new international division to integrate its European transport operations and appointed senior leadership to drive growth. The reorganization follows a year of varied financial performance across its legacy businesses.
Why it matters
Culina is consolidating its specialized divisions and former subsidiaries under one identity to reverse recent financial losses in core businesses like Eddie Stobart and Great Bear. This integration aims to centralize supply chain solutions and improve cross-selling effectiveness.
Culina reported 2025 pre-tax losses of £24.9 million on £543.4 million revenue for Eddie Stobart and £13.2 million on £526.1 million for Great Bear, compared to a £3.3 million profit for Fowler Welch. The group currently employs approximately 15,000 staff across its operations.
The players
Culina
A major international logistics firm employing 15,000 people across five specialist transport divisions.
Stijn Gheyle
The newly appointed managing director tasked with overseeing the Culina International division.
James Gray
The newly appointed group business development director responsible for driving cross-selling strategies.
Eddie Stobart
A logistics subsidiary specializing in road haulage that reported significant 2025 pre-tax losses.
Fowler Welch
A food distribution and logistics provider that served as the only legacy subsidiary to report 2025 profits.
The details
Culina International consolidates former Stobart Europe haulage assets in Belgium, Germany, and Bulgaria with IRF transport operations in the Netherlands and the UK. By merging these functions with a new group-wide business development unit, the company intends to increase efficiency in cross-channel freight. The restructure also establishes Culina Finished Vehicle Logistics as a dedicated standalone entity, further segmenting the company’s service portfolio.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Culina launched its international division and announced executive appointments.
October 2026: Culina initiated its broader company rebranding effort.
2025: Culina’s legacy subsidiaries recorded divergent financial results.
2024: Eddie Stobart recorded a loss of £883,000.
Market Landscape
Culina’s centralization strategy follows a period of volatile performance across its legacy transport subsidiaries. This shift marks a strategic departure from the fragmented, individual-brand model that characterized the company's growth during the post-Brexit transition.
Operators managing cross-channel supply chains should watch for changes in pricing or service availability as Culina begins cross-selling these newly integrated assets. Businesses relying on these legacy subsidiaries should monitor service contracts for shifts in billing or operational points of contact during the rebranding transition.
The takeaway
Culina is prioritizing operational integration to stabilize the financial performance of its diverse logistics holdings. Operators should audit service contracts with legacy Stobart or Great Bear units to ensure continuity of service as the new international division centralizes customer-facing operations.
Further reading
For broader trends in logistics consolidation, visit Business Strategy.
Live Poll
Do you believe large corporate rebrandings generally result in better services for customers?
