Transport infrastructure giant acquires Widnes company

Hill & Smith, the Midlands based transport infrastructure giant, has acquired a Merseyside company for £3.7m.

The acquisition of Widnes Galvanising, which has been operating for more than 20 years,  further expands the geographic footprint of its UK galvanizing business into the North West and is aligned to the group’s growth strategy.

The announcement from Hill & Smith comes as the global company completed the acquisition of National Signal, a California based designer, manufacturer and supplier of off-grid solar lighting solutions, for £22.2m on a debt and cash free basis.

Further cash consideration of up to £3.5m is payable, conditional on National Signal’s achievement of financial performance targets in the three years post-acquisition.

Both acquisitions will be funded from the group’s existing banking facilities.

Alan Giddins, executive chair, said: “National Signal is a high growth temporary solar lighting business, operating in a market with excellent long term potential.

“Following our investment in Prolectric Services, Hill & Smith has gained significant experience in off-grid solar lighting and energy solutions, and the acquisition of National Signal will further accelerate our strategy in this highly attractive market.

“The acquisition of Widnes Galvanizing is aligned to our UK galvanizing growth strategy and complements our existing geographic footprint by enhancing our presence in the north west of the UK. I am delighted to welcome both National Signal and Widnes Galvanizing and their employees to the Group.”