KBS - Access Height and Lifting Solutions - Market Insight

WHAT TYPES OF BUSINESSES ARE STRATEGIC ACQUIRERS PURSUING IN THE ACCESS, HEIGHT AND LIFTING SECTOR? NICHE SPECIALISTS: Companies specialising in a particular segment of the market are much sought after. This includes a product niche (e.g. companies focusing on truck-mounted lifts, spider lifts, lifting gear hire etc) or a sector niche (e.g. firms serving wind turbine maintenance, powerline access or infrastructure inspections). Acquirers pursue such specialists to broaden their portfolio, for example AFI’s acquisition of Track Mount Spiderlift, and Kiloutou’s acquisition of Spanish low-height platform specialist Liftisa. COMPANIES WITH TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES/IP: Manufacturers or service providers with proprietary technology, patents or safety systems are targets for strategic buyers looking to enhance their product range. For example, Manitou’s acquisition of intellectual property from ATN Platforms was expected to help the French company accelerate its development in the vertical platform market.