“I feel absolutely ecstatic.”

The reaction of Jon Regler after the courier business he founded 27 years ago was acquired by the UK’s largest same day distribution company.

CitySprint, part of DPDgroup, is now the owner of Blandford-based Astral Couriers after purchasing the business for an undisclosed sum.

Customers have been reassured that it’s business as usual with no changes to their current service or account contracts.

It’s the second acquisition this year for fast-growing CitySprint.

Jon, 47, started Astral Couriers in 1995 armed with just a phone, fax machine, Amstrad computer and van.

Working out of a bedroom at his parents’ house, he cold-called industrial estates and business parks trying to get contracts.

Despite the initial struggles and disappointments, Jon persevered and soon gained his first big contract with Flight Refuelling, part of Cobham.

He later recalled: “I walked out of the place and didn’t know whether to be happy, nervous or absolutely petrified.

“Then I thought: ‘crikey, I’m going to have to get another van.’”

Astral Couriers now employs six people, has a six-vehicle fleet including two electric cars and enjoyed a turnover of £550,000 in its latest full year.

The company provides express same day services throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide.

Its clients are in a range of sectors including aerospace, military, electronics and medical.

Jon said he had been talking to CitySprint for a year and the outcome was “brilliant” for his team, customers and the new owners.

He added: “It has been 24/7 for 27 years and in many ways I feel I’ve done my time.

“I remain as a consultant for the next year but I have no other plans at this stage.”

CitySprint’s acquisition of Astral Couriers follows its purchase of Manchester courier business EcoSpeed in June.

The company says the two deals underline its ongoing growth strategy, supported by the acquisition of strong regional courier businesses.

In a statement, CitySprint said: “Astral’s service specialism aligns perfectly with CitySprint’s same day expertise.

“The deal will see CitySprint further strengthen its presence in the South West.

“In turn, the deal will give Astral’s customers access to CitySprint’s unique national same day delivery network, which can reach over 88 per cent of mainland UK within 60 minutes.

“Its clients and customers will be able to access CitySprint’s award-winning same day delivery services and its fleet of over 3,500 vehicles.”

Gary West, CitySprint CEO, pictured, said: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Astral and look forward to welcoming their team to the CitySprint family.

“Astral enjoys a strong reputation in the Dorset and South West region and, as our second acquisition this year, it represents another important step in our growth strategy.

“Looking ahead, it remains very much business as usual for Astral’s customers.

“There will be no changes to their current service or account contacts, but they can now enjoy access to our wider courier network and nationwide logistics service offering.”

CitySprint now has a regional network of 30+ sites across the UK.

It is a member of DPDgroup, the largest parcel delivery network in Europe.

DPDgroup is the parcel delivery network of GeoPost, a holding company owned by France’s La Poste.