ABERDEEN equipment rental specialist First Integrated Solutions has completed a major acquisition which will see it expand into four new cities and extend its services across multiple sectors.
The fast-growing firm has sealed a seven-figure deal to buy Tusk Lifting, which has depots in Middlesborough, Liverpool, Hull and Glasgow.
The combined business will have a turnover of nearly £20million and employ around 125 people across its five sites, serving a joint customer-base spanning the construction, manufacturing, oil and gas and renewable energy sectors.
Tusk Lifting has been acquired from parent firm Mammoet – part of the Dutch conglomerate SHV Holdings, which also owns retail chain Makro.
All Tusk Lifting staff have transferred over to First Integrated Solutions and the combined business is looking to invest an additional £3million over the next five years to ensure it offers “the best and safest equipment at the most competitive rates”.
Martin Suttie, Managing Director at First Integrated Solutions, said: “First Integrated has been successful at growing its market share in Aberdeen through continual investment in new equipment and the hard work of our dedicated team.
“By coming together with Tusk Lifting, we will now be able to grow our market share throughout the UK and this deal allows us to diversify the industries which we serve. It also brings additional services to Tusk, allowing it build on its industry-leading lifting business.
“We already share a number of customers throughout the UK and this deal gives us a fantastic platform to grow our market share across multiple sectors throughout the UK.”
First Integrated Solutions, established in Aberdeen’s Bridge of Don in 1997, provides safety-critical services to the energy sector, including lifting equipment, inspection, and equipment sale and rental.
Its integrated solutions aim to improve safety, enhance productivity, and deliver financial and operational savings for customers.
Likewise, Tusk Lifting specialises in providing high-quality lifting and material handling equipment for various industries, including construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas. It offers a range of services such as equipment hire, sales, servicing, and inspections.
Tusk Lifting Managing Director Kevin Chalmers said: “I am truly delighted with the new ownership, and it was clear from the moment that we started this journey that both companies have aligned missions and goals.
“There is a long-term vision in place which is hugely exciting, and with the backing of First Integrated Solutions we will have access to more resources, equipment and a broader network.
“This partnership will enable us to innovate faster, serve our clients better and expand our horizons.”
The Tusk deal is the second merger by fast-growing First Integrated Solutions in just 18-months and follows a deal to acquire Aberdeen-based North Sea Compactors last year.
North Sea Compactors, founded in 1983, manufactures its own design of heavy-duty, large-capacity, fully pneumatic offshore waste compactors.
The compactors are purpose-built for the tough operating conditions encountered on offshore platforms, FPSOs, drilling rigs and large purpose-built vessels such as DSVs, CSVs and ocean-going dredgers.
Mr Suttie added: “Our mission at First Integrated Solutions is to provide our customers with equipment for rental that is new, modern and operates like new every time.
“We will continue to look for opportunities to acquire companies which share that ethos and add value, or scale, to the business we are building.”
