Arco acquires height safety specialist
YORKSHIRE firm Arco has acquired height safety specialist Total Access.
Hull-based Arco, founded in 1884, provides safety equipment, personal protection equipment and workwear to major public and private organisations. It was a supplier to the London Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.
Staffordshire’s Total Access has established itself as one of the UK’s leading rope access companies and provider of height safety support services and was established more than 20 years ago.
Thomas Martin and Neil Jowsey, Arco’s joint managing directors said: “The acquisition of Total Access supports our ambitions to grow our training and consultancy division and will further strengthen our offering and enhance our position as experts in safety. We look forward to working with the team to support the continued growth of the business and to be able to offer their customers access to our extensive range of products, services and expert advice and guidance on keeping people safe at work.”
Graham Burnett CEO of Total Access (UK) added: “Being part of the Arco family means that our customers can now benefit from having access to Arco’s complete range of workplace safety products and services. We look forward to working with Arco’s customers in order to deliver our services, products and life-saving training for those working at height. Together we are committed to keeping people safe at work and this announcement will enable us to deliver that promise to the widest possible audience.”
A team at mid-market advisory firm Clearwater International led by Rob Britton and Mark Gillingham advised the shareholders of Total Access on the sale.
Rob Britton, partner at Clearwater International, said: “As the UK’s leading independent working at height and confined space specialist, Total Access is a highly strategic acquisition for Arco.
“Total Access’s excellent reputation for technical expertise and its ability to provide specialist training for working at height will provide an excellent platform for Arco to further expand its operations within this market.”
Arco employs almost 1,500 people and exports to more than 160 countries, Earlier this year, the firm revealed record sales for the year ending June 2013, with an increase of 2.5% year on year to £249m. Operating profit was up 7.6% to £11.5m.
