Double acquisition for transport infrastructure specialist

LB Foster Company, which provides products and services for the rail and infrastructure markets, has acquired Skratch Enterprises Ltd, a digital solutions specialty company, and Intelligent Video Ltd (IV).

LB Foster is a global operator with a base in Sheffield, while its two acquisitions are in the West Midlands – Skratch in Telford and IV in Leamington Spa.

LB Foster designs, develops, manufactures, and installs mobile, wireless, and digital customer information signage systems for use in railway stations and airports.

Skratch brings advanced digital display technology and capabilities that can be leveraged in both the rail space and adjacent retail markets.

Its service offerings include design, prototyping and proof of concept, hardware & software, logistics & warehousing, installation, maintenance, Content Management (CMS), and managed monitoring.

LB Foster has collaborated with Skratch on digital solutions for the retail sector in the past, including the first digital signage application using British Sign Language interpreters in Asda superstores.

IV is a developer of surveillance, security, and safety solutions. It has provided sub-contracting services for LB Foster’s Remote Condition Monitoring and Inform Visual Communications solutions.

IV also provides LB Foster with enhanced technical resources to assist in a variety of existing and developing solutions for the company.

John Kasel, president and chief executive Officer of LB Foster, said: “These acquisitions fit neatly into the growth strategy we announced in 2021.

“The accomplished team at Skratch delivers new learning, expertise, and experience that complements our existing growth businesses, and enables access to wider target markets in the UK and Europe.

“IV provides unique expertise and capabilities that help enable our aspiration to grow our technology-focused solutions offering.”

Skratch and IV collectively employ 38 people at their Telford and Leamington Spa offices. Both will operate as standalone subsidiaries within the LB Foster group of companies.

LB Foster currently employs over 450 people in the UK and about 1,300 staff worldwide.

Close