Afternoon all, Spud, you are right, it was I believe 1985 when Bearman and Asken launched their “raid”, using the corporate vehicle of Thomson T line, (a defunct caravan manufacture I believe)! Longton Transport was founded in 1929 by A G Dale, using a Saurer 12tonner. He acquired the old Midland Railway Goods yard in Bute St as an operating base. They were unique in operating an owner driver scheme prior to WW11,Post the Transport Acts1930,1933, introducing "hours"limitations, the bulk of owners past their vehicles to Longton Transport, in exchange for shares, becoming employee shareholders.The bulk of traffic was long distance, and change over drivers were based in London,Darlington,Banburyand Gloucester. The company was active in establishing distribution agreements with other operators in South Wales, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Southampton to increase it`s coverage. 1938 Motor Sales (Longton) was established, later to becomeLongton Transport Equipment, and even later Longton Trucks. Initially having a Thornycroft franchise, later still Guy and Commer, (Silkmore Garage), then Leyland and Freight Rover, as well as Land Rover, Jaguar, and Austin Rover. In the 1950s James and Tatton was acquired, a run down Iron mongery business, later transformed into a steel stockholder of some magnitude, with associated Engineers merchants Jaton. C Knight removals was acquired,1960 John Rowley removals was merged into Knights to become Knight and Riley specialising in shipping, export packing and European Transport. Industrial and Commercial Plant was formed with a Massey Ferguson agency, I think that this still exists, with a Kramer agency, alongside Longton Crane Hire. The Group was “floated” 1971 on the back of ICFC advice and funding, (no comment)!!!1972 Bulk Storage was acquired, (Alec Greyburn),Pennant Shipping, Pauls (Hull)Bulk Storage Transport.Properties, Highway E1, Hull, Foulsham,Stanstead,Matching Green,Barking,Grays,West Thurrock,Sheerness,E14,E1,Finmere,Sandy,Milton Keynes,Bolton,Farnworth, and Stoke on Trent. No wonder it was attractive as a victim! Post the take over, Evans Halshaw took the motor side,Riley and Alan Harp the Transport, Hoyer Bulk Storage,a sad end to a family grouping. On the vehicle side quite an eclectic fleet, obviously Guy, with Longton sleeper cabs, Leyland, (and they produced high quality municipal cab conversions, as well as sleepers for Blue Line, and Roadrunners), Iveco, DAF, and a fair sized fleet for International work. I do hope that someone has a few photographs, even if they are of James and Tatton, or another group company. You know Stoke on Trent was a vibrant City, Longton was a big player there, shame that it has gone unrecognised. Cheerio for now.