Briggs Equipment acquires UK rental firms

Briggs Equipment has completed the acquisitions of UK-based material handling specialist Neckar Forklifts and its subsidiary Maxim GB.

Neckar Forklifts, which has sites in both Castleford and Windsor, is the UK supplier for Baoli Forklift and provides a range of services including operator training, service support and fleet management.

Briggs said the acquisitions would allow the company to “increase its coverage” in the UK market and “strengthen its position” in the region, where it has made a number of acquisitions in recent years.

“This acquisition is another significant milestone for our Group and is an extremely positive way to start 2023,” said Pete Jones, group managing director of Briggs Equipment.

“Neckar and Maxim have a proven track record of long-term success and operates within areas of the UK that are strategically very important to us.

“Their loyal and diverse customer portfolio demonstrates the capability of the business and we are determined to deliver the appropriate investment support and guidance to help Neckar and Maxim reach their full potential.”

Briggs equipment in the UK has acquired Neckar Forklifts and Maxim GB. (Photo: Briggs Equipment)

Ian Capes, who serves as managing director of Neckar Forklifts but holds roles in both companies, said, “We are delighted to announce our acquisition by Briggs Equipment and we can’t wait to start working as part of a successful and ever-evolving Group.

“We have undergone an intensive period of due diligence to ensure that our unique culture and ambition would be preserved.

“With Briggs Equipment we have a parent company that is committed to the long-term success of every business within its Group, and I’m proud to say that Neckar Forklifts and Maxim are now part of the Briggs family.

“We now look forward to working closely with our new colleagues and reaching new heights in this exciting new chapter for our business.”

Briggs has been making a large number of acquisitions in recent years, including plant hire companies Balloo Hire and Laois Hire in Ireland. Last year is also bought Scotland-based powered access company Access Plus and its training business Training Plus.

Briggs Equipment in the UK is part of the US-based Briggs Equipment group, which is owned by Sammons Industrial. A sister company within Briggs is SitePro Rentals, a construction equipment rental business established in the US 18 months ago after being split out from Briggs’ US operation.