What do a seaside airport, a fleet of turboprop planes, a mountain of woodchips and a former council depot in Rotherham have in common?
Stobart Group is the holding company for this disparate collection of businesses. Founded in the 1970s by Eddie Stobart as a trucking business, it has grown into one of the most bizarre conglomerates to grace the FTSE.
Boardroom feuds and bold acquisitions have marked its recent history. In 2014 it split from the trucking business, best known for its lorries with such names as Cindy Ann and Barbara. Stobart still has a 12.5% stake in the trucking business, which was floated this year. Its remaining business revolves around Southend airport, aircraft leasing, biomass transporting and a scattering of investment properties, all