HSS Hire Services Group (“HSS Hire”), the UK and Ireland’s leading national supplier of tools, equipment and related services, has acquired the Irish division of Mobile Traffic Solutions (“MTS”), a specialist provider of traffic management equipment, from Dublin-headquartered Rennicks Group.
MTS’ Irish business has a successful track record supplying traffic and crowd management solutions – for hire or purchase – to major road contractors as well as Local Authorities and event companies throughout Ireland. The business is one of the largest traffic management suppliers in Ireland.
HSS will combine the Irish division of MTS with its own Irish subsidiary, Laois Hire, to complement capabilities and facilitate rapid expansion.
The transaction is the latest in a series of acquisitions by HSS Hire aimed at generating new growth and accelerating expansion throughout the UK and Ireland, with a focus on improved local service. Other recent acquisitions include the purchase of Abird Generator Hire, one of the UK’s leading diesel electric generator hire companies, enabling HSS to offer a more comprehensive service in the growing temporary power market and UK Platforms, the powered access specialist which HSS acquired from Haulotte Group, making HSS the second-largest provider in the powered access market in the UK and Ireland.
The acquisition was managed by Investec, who acted as advisers for Rennicks.
Michael Killeen, Managing Director for HSS in Ireland and Scotland and for Laois Hire said: “We believe there is enormous potential to grow the Irish based MTS business and Laois Hire together – significantly increasing our combined market share, skilled capabilities and overall customer offering at what is a dynamic time for our group business.”
Chris Davies, Chief Executive Officer at HSS Hire added: “Today’s announcement is an important milestone in the growth of our company in Ireland which continues to go from strength to strength. MTS fits well within our existing equipment portfolio and will further enhance our position as a trusted partner and service leader in the tools and equipment rental, outsourcing and services sector. It is an exciting time for our business as we embark upon the next stage of growth and development – increasing our presence in existing markets and expanding in new ones throughout the UK and Ireland”.
Gareth McWeeney, Operations Director at Rennicks said: “Mobile, trailer mounted Variable Messaging Boards have been an important part of the product offering at Rennicks for over 10 years but this sale of our VMS Rental business gives us the opportunity to focus on our core business of Reflectorised Traffic Signage, Maintenance Solutions, Electronic Road Signage, and other Intelligent Traffic Solutions. We are delighted with the transaction and will work with Laois Hire to facilitate a smooth transition of the business and to ensure continuity of service for the Customer.”