KBS Corporate Advises on Acquisition of FRAL UK Limited

FRAL UK Limited has been acquired by Ashtead Plant Hire Company Limited, which trades as A-Plant, for an undisclosed sum.

With over 135 Service Centres nationwide and a team of more than 2,700 professionals, A-Plant has a commanding presence within the industry and the deal will enable FRAL UK to grow to the next level and develop the business further. The acquisition forms part of Ashtead Plant Hire’s execution of a growth strategy, using bolt-on acquisitions to supplement organic growth.

A-Plant supplies a variety of equipment to hire including dumpers, excavators, accommodation units and traffic control management as well as insurance and training services to offer a “one-stop solution” for all of their customers’ rental needs.

FRAL UK, a specialist provider in the hire and sale of portable air conditioning units, dehumidifiers and heaters, was brought to the market as our client felt that a sale to the right acquirer would help the business to develop further and make the step up to the next level.

The deal was managed by Guy Haynes, Corporate Director at KBS, who managed to negotiate an uplift of almost 20% on the original offer received as well as an improved deal structure for our client.

Guy commented on the deal: “We are pleased to have completed this transaction, which proved to be an attractive on for both parties. It was clear from the outset that there was a very strong synergy between the two companies and the commanding market position occupied by Ashtead Plant Hire should provide the perfect platform for FRAL UK to grow to the next level, which was the stated aim of the sellers throughout the process.”