Briggs said the deal, completed on October 1, created the UK’s largest mechanical handling equipment service infrastructure comprising more than 600 engineers.
The move follows Briggs International’s April purchase of Barloworld’s US handling operations for US$54.4m. Briggs was already the exclusive UK dealer for Yale lift trucks, while Barloworld is the exclusive dealer for Hyster.
Richard Close, CEO of Briggs Equipment UK, said the addition of the Hyster brand would expand Briggs’ footprint and product offering in the UK, bringing greater product solutions and quicker response times for customers.
“This is really positive news,” said Mr Close. “The Yale and Hyster brands will remain with growth and investment across both brands and we are looking forward to the prospect of expanding our coverage and service offering for the benefit of customers and staff alike.
“Our vision is to transform the materials handling industry through customer-led solutions.” Cannock-based Briggs is part of Sammons Enterprises, a US-based conglomerate with assets of US$55bn, while Barloworld is based in South Africa and had global sales in the first half of 2012 of US$3.3bn.
