Acquisition expands £200m plant hire business

Growing Harrogate hire firm Vp has acquired Jackson Mechanical Services (JMS) as it looks to expand its UK reach, having focused on its growth Down Under in 2016.

The Hertfordshire business JMS also operates from Leeds, and will be integrated into Vp’s specialist tool hire business Hire Station.

JMS specialises in tools for the heating and ventilation industries.

Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of Vp plc, said: “We are very pleased to welcome the JMS M&E team to the Vp Group. This acquisition will provide additional strength to our successful Hire Station specialist businesses.”

Vp, which turned over £208m last year, have been on the acquisition trail, buying companies in Australia and New Zealand to expand its geographic reach.

In addition, Vp experienced “positive” trading conditions through the winter period and continues to make good progress.

The board anticipates that the group will deliver full year results in line with current market expectations for the year ended 31 March 2017.

Vp plc was advised by Grant Thornton