Claremorris Fleet company acquires Handling Network

Michael Commins

CLAREMORRIS-based company, Fleet Publications, has acquired Handling Network, the leading Irish Materials Handling and Distribution publication. The move by the company, established by Jarlath and Orla Sweeney, established in 2002, marks another milestone in the ongoing development by this highly reputable enterprise and places it right at the heart of the transport industry here in Ireland.

Fleet Publications publishes Fleet Transport magazine and its supplements Fleet Van & Utility, Fleet Car, Fleet Bus & Coach, Fleet Trailer & Body Builder and Fleet Maritime as well as Caravan Cruise Ireland. Even through the lows of the recent recession, Fleet maintained its well established standards of the highest degree, never once losing sight of the ethos of the company to be market leaders in their field.

The Handling Network publication, founded in 1999 by Anselm Aherne and John Mannion, is a bi-monthly acknowledged in the industry as a publication of the highest standards in terms of content, design and print quality presentation.

Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor at Fleet Publications, said: “We are pleased to be the successful bidder for the purchase of Handling Network. Over the years, I have always admired the excellent presentation and the high quality content of the publication constantly achieved by Anselm and John. We wish them well in their retirement and we plan to continue their good work into the future.

“In acquiring this title, it dovetails nicely with what we do and a perfect fit for our Fleet Transport magazine, which covers road haulage and the commercial vehicle sectors. We have a few ideas in mind on how we can expand the portfolio of Handling Network in line with the progress made with our other titles.”

This acquisition further enhanced the special position enjoyed by the Claremorris company at both national and international levels. They also host the prestigious Fleet Transport Awards and Fleet Car Awards each year together with the Fleet Bus & Coach Awards biennially.