Formby Tool Hire acquired by Smiths Hire Group

Formby Tool Hire was acquired by Smiths Hire Group as part of its expansion strategy across the North West. The deal gives Smiths a strong foothold in Formby while enabling the seller to retire and ensuring continuity for staff and customers.

Transaction Overview:

• Sector: Distribution & Logistics 
• Business Type: Equipment and tool hire provider serving a range of trade sectors
• Deal Type: Trade Sale
• Buyer Type: Trade Buyer
• Location: Merseyside, UK

Formby Tool Hire is a holistic equipment hire company serving a range of sectors operating from landscaping to welding. The business is well-established and based in Merseyside.

The owner of Formby Tool Hire instructed KBS Corporate with the sale of their business in order to facilitate their retirement plans. A thorough research strategy was implemented, with a preference for trade buyers in line with our client’s requirements. This resulted in high levels of interest particularly from UK trade buyers, with some interest from Private Equity and Overseas trade buyers.

The ultimate buyer was the Smiths Hire Group as a synergy purchase. The company currently includes several branches within the North West however, they wish to expand their geographical reach to include Formby making Formby Tool Hire an ideal acquisition. The business benefits from a rich history with over 150 years’ experience in the industrial sector.

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Simon Thompson of Formby Tool Hire noted, ‘’Smiths Equipment Hire are a great outfit and will no doubt offer great prospects to all Formby Tool Hire customers and staff, I am very pleased with the outcome and I am sure Formby Tool Hire will provide a great platform to take Smiths Equipment Hire from strength to strength. We look forward to working with David Smith and, Thomas Smith and their team.’’

The deal was overseen by Jacob Lord, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, who commented, “Simon Thompson from Formby Tool Hire was an absolute pleasure to work with and Smiths Equipment Hire was very professional throughout. They outlined a specific timetable for proceedings and were very to the point in their discussions. The acquisition is perfect for both parties as Smiths gain an invaluable foothold in Formby to continue their expansion in the North West, whilst my client reaches retirement and a perfect home for his current staff whom have served Formby loyally for many years. I have no doubt the addition of Formby Tool Hire to Smiths Equipment Hire will yield positive results for all parties and I wish them the best of luck for the future.”

The Equipment Hire Sector

Across the distribution and logistics sector, well-established equipment hire businesses continue to attract strategic buyers seeking broader regional coverage and a stronger local footprint. Long-standing customer relationships and a diverse hire offering make these businesses especially attractive where they support multiple industrial and trade markets.

This activity reflects the ongoing importance of asset-backed business models, where fleet quality, utilisation, and operational scale play a key role in driving value. Buyers are increasingly seeking businesses that can provide immediate geographic expansion and access to established customer bases.

Recent transactions across the sector illustrate this trend, including the acquisition of Falcon Self Drive, highlighting continued demand for operationally strong hire and fleet-based businesses.

For business owners operating in this space, this may present an opportunity to consider their next steps, including selling a company.