KBS - Access Height and Lifting Solutions - Market Insight

M&A ACTIVITY IN THE ACCESS, HEIGHT AND LIFTING SECTOR Within the last three years, a total of 188 M&A transactions involving UK targets have occurred within the access, height and lifting solutions sector.

Around 1,500 investors and acquirers have registered interest with KBS Corporate for companies in this industry.

The following is a selection of key deals completed:

LIFTING GEAR & SAFETY ACQUIRED BY AXEL JOHNSON INTERNATIONAL

KBS DEAL

A provider of specialist lifting equipment services, primarily offering hire, sale and servicing solutions, Bristol-based Lifting Gear & Safety joined Swedish company Axel Johnson International as part of its growth-by-acquisition strategy.

Boels Rental’s acquisition of Riwal added around €310m in revenues to its existing €1.5bn, the acquisition being part of Boels’ growth strategy to become the largest rental company in Europe by extending to new markets, and expanding its aerial lift and telehandler fleet. RIWAL ACQUIRED BY BOELS RENTAL

UBIQ GROUP ACQUIRED BY BRITISH ENGINEERING SERVICES

KBS DEAL

Stoke-based UbiQ, which specialises in access solutions for those working at height or in challenging settings, was sold in a deal advised upon by KBS Corporate to BES, to further enhance its suite of end-to-end risk management solutions.

TUSK LIFTING ACQUIRED BY FIRST INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

KBS DEAL

Tusk Lifting, which has four depots in northern England and Scotland, was sold in a seven figure deal which means the combined business will employ over 100 people across five sites and have a turnover of more than £15m.

UK Tool Hire, a leading provider of powered access, tool hire and training services across the Midlands, acquired Newcastle-based Warren Access, providing a gateway to the North East and unlocking new growth opportunities. WARREN ACCESS ACQUIRED BY UK TOOL HIRE GROUP