Edinburgh-based John Menzies plc said its subsidiary Menzies Aviation has acquired Airline Services Limited, a UK based aircraft de-icing specialist, from Airline Services and Components Group Limited.

“Airline Services, with an annual turnover of £34.9 million, provides de-icing and aircraft presentation services to over 60 airlines at 12 UK airports, together with ground handling operations at London Gatwick,” said Menzies.

“The acquired trade and assets takes Menzies into four new UK airport locations, namely Liverpool, Newcastle, Birmingham and Exeter.

“By combining with Airline Services, Menzies’ strengthens its existing UK presence and deepens its product portfolio.

“This will allow the company to continue growing in the UK by expanding its service offering to new and existing customers at a wider range of locations.”

Forsyth Black, managing director of Menzies Aviation said: “This is a significant addition to our UK business and is line with our strategy to offer the deepest portfolio of products to our airline customers.  

“The deal strengthens our market position in the UK, extends our product offering and takes us into new airports where we can now offer the full suite of Menzies services and continue to grow our business.”