Briggs International has acquired the assets of Maquinaria Ligera Equinter (Equinter), a Mexico City-based Bobcat and Hyster forklift dealer. The deal will double Briggs' existing business in Mexico, which is mainly renting material handling equipment. It will also join the Hyster and Yale forklift brands in Mexico.

The director general of Brigg's Mexican business, Fernando Malvido, will oversee the merged organisation with support from Equinter executive Mauro Zamora. In addition to its Mexico City headquarters, Equinter and has branches in Coatzacoalcos, Toluca, Manzanillo, Guadalajara, Irapuato, Vera Cruz and Merida.

Briggs president and CEO, Dave Bratton, said; "Briggs International's growth strategy has concentrated on international acquisitions. We are pleased to double the size of our Mexico operations. We will continue to meet the demands of our customers, whether they are a large regional company that needs an entire fleet, or a multinational corporation that prefers long-term rental contracts".

Mr Malvido said; "Briggs Equipment S.A. de C.V. is one of the largest materials handling rental companies in Mexico. This acquisition doubles our presence here enabling us to efficiently respond to our customers throughout the country. Briggs employs 285 people in Mexico, and will hire approximately 300 people from Equinter."

Located in Dallas, Briggs International oversees the development of the Briggs equipment businesses worldwide. Briggs Equipment operations include branches throughout the southwestern portion of the United States; Briggs Equipment de Mexico which operates throughout Mexico; and Briggs Equipment UK Limited servicing the UK. Briggs is the largest distributor and renter of Yale forklifts in the US.