Catalogue description Road Services companies: Carter Paterson & Co Ltd.

Walter Carter, Carrier, John Paterson, Gentleman, James Paterson, Carrier, and Robert Paterson, Gentleman, came together in 1860 in business as carriers' agents and according to balance sheet for 30 June 1861, W Carter subscribed £250, John Paterson £230, James Paterson £225, and Robert Paterson £50 to Capital Account.

By indenture dated 1 March 1869, above mentioned persons executed articles of partnership to commence on 1 January 1869 under name of Carter Paterson & Co, and to continue for term of five years. Partnership was extended for further periods by various deeds, but entry in Capital Account for 1 January 1875 records that John Paterson retired from partnership. Indenture dated 25 February 1887 recites that partnership of remaining three persons was to continue for 1½ years from 1 January 1885 and that at expiration of this period, business was to belong to and be carried on by joint stock company with limited liability.

Company was constituted limited company under name of Carter Paterson and Co Ltd, in 1887, Articles of Association being dated 15 July 1887, and Certificate of Incorporation under companies Acts 1862 to 1883 by Assistant Registrar of Joint Stock companies is dated 8 August 1883.

Company became private company as from 18 August 1909. Under heads of agreement between Great Western, London Midland and Scottish, London and North Eastern, and Southern railway companies and Carter Paterson Ltd, it was agreed that these companies should purchase all ordinary shares not already held by them, such purchase to be deemed to have been completed on 1 July 1933, payment of purchase money to be made on 31 October 1933. Purchasers undertook, if so required by Carter Paterson and Co Ltd, so far as lay in their power to preserve present status of undertaking as a private company. Company, however, was re-converted into public company in February 1934, new Articles of Association being adopted on 13th of that month and confirmed by Order of Court dated 19 March 1934 (See MPR 523/5).

Company remained as wholly-owned subsidiary of Hay's Wharf Cartage Company Ltd, shares of which were owned by four main line railway companies, until, under Transport Act 1947, it became vested in British Transport Commission.