21 May 2015 Latest Bolt-On For AFI
AFI-Uplift has recently acquired Hampshire Plant & Access (HPA). This deal is the fifth bolt-on acquisition since Rutland first invested in the AFI Group in May 2013, when it successfully completed the simultaneous merger of three companies; AFI-Uplift and Hi-Reach in the UK and Access Rental Gulf in the Middle East. These bolt-on transactions form part of an active business investment and expansion strategy, complementing the Group’s growth to date and other strategic initiatives, demonstrating Rutland’s continued commitment to support AFI.
The founder of HPA, David Meadham, will continue to head up the business, which operates from depots in Winchester, Southampton and Salisbury with an annual turnover of close to £4m. With a fleet of over 550 machines and an extensive range of powered access equipment, HPA fits well within AFI and provides the Group with a further presence in the south of the UK.
The AFI Group is a leading specialist provider of powered access equipment. The Group comprises a network of 19 UK depots that provide national coverage and a two depot operation in the Middle East that services the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with a combined fleet of c.5,500 machines. The UK business also has complementary specialist training and resale operations.
David McNicolas, AFI Chief Operating Officer, said: “This acquisition further highlights the strength of the AFI business to capitalise on opportunities as they arise. Hampshire Plant & Access is a strongly performing business and represents a natural extension of our existing business. We are delighted to be supporting David Meadham in the next stage of Hampshire Plant and Access’ development.”
Oliver Jones, Partner of Rutland, said: “The HPA acquisition is another positive deal for AFI, continuing the growth of the business as we approach the second anniversary of the original deal. AFI’s management team and Rutland remain committed to further growth in both the UK and Middle East and look forward to the future with confidence.”
For more information about Rutland’s investment in the AFI Group contact Oliver Jones, David Wardrop or Kajen Mohanadas.