PLANT hire specialist AB2000 has been acquired by Quattro Group in a multi-million pound deal.
London-based road rail vehicle operator Quattro Group has acquired all trading divisions of the Cambuslang firm, including Ellon Plant Hire, Phoenix Weights and Phoenix Marine.
The firm has a fleet of over 450 items of plant, from mini excavators to mobile cranes, with the acquisition effectively doubling Quattro’s existing fleet of 450 machines.
The deal sees AB2000’s head office and two regional depots in Inverness and Aberdeen merge with Quattro Group’s existing nationwide depot network, with all staff retaining their roles within the organisation and no significant changes to key management, Quattro said.
AB2000 founder Adam Bruce will remain with the organisation in an advisory role and AB2000’s chief executive officer Jim Houston will hold the position of managing director.
Adam Bruce commented on the acquisition, “At AB2000 we have worked hard to succeed by hiring high quality, experienced people focused on providing our customers with leading-edge equipment and an outstanding customer service experience and I am confident that John Murphy and his team will continue with these core values.”
He added, “I would like to say thank you to the employees at AB2000, our customers, our suppliers and other partners who have helped us succeed over the decades.”
Founded in 1995, AB2000 is Scotland’s largest privately owned hirer of operated plant and equipment, with a turnover of approximately £30 million. Quattro described the firm as a “natural fit” with the group.
John Murphy, managing director of Quattro Plant said, “The AB2000 team, lead by Adam Bruce, has worked tirelessly to grow a great business centred on providing vital services to the Scottish market. This customer-service focus and high level of delivery sits perfectly in line with the Quattro Group ethos, and we felt that this deal would provide a natural partnership.
“Our plan is to resolutely maintain the cornerstones of what has made AB2000 such a success and are passionate about retaining the talent and experience within the business.
He added, ”Watch this space, it’s going to be an exciting time north of the border!”
