Vp takes over platform specialist Higher Access in £4.1m deal

EQUIPMENT rental specialist Vp has added specialist tracked platform firm Higher Access in a £4.1m deal.

The acquisition brings the Burnley and Luton-based business into Vp’s stable of brands, to run alongside its existing material handling division, UK Forks.

Higher Access has been trading for more than 10 years and provides rental equipment and associated services to the construction, transmission and utilities sectors across the UK.

Jeremy Pilkington, chairman of Harrogate-based Vp, said: “The acquisition will be an excellent complement to our strong UK Forks business, and fits the Vp model of developing specialist rental businesses with strong market positions.”

The deal is the second multi-million pound acquisition for Vp in six months. In November, it bought safety equipment rental company Test & Measurement Group £3.95m.

Vp saw solid performance in its last financial year, with turnover up 4% to £105m. The company confirmed it is on track to meet market expectations for the current financial year.

Leeds Corporate partner Hannah Kendrick and associate Carly Gulliver from Squire Patton Boggs advised Vp.