Materials handling business Briggs Equipment UK has announced it is buying the assets and facilities of Barloworld Handling UK.
Both businesses currently distribute the forklift truck brands manufactured by US-based Nacco Materials Handling Group, with Briggs offering Yale trucks and Barloworld distributing Hyster equipment.

The £35 million deal is expected to complete by 30 September 2012, at which point Briggs will be responsible for sales and servicing of both Hyster and Yale brands in the UK.

Richard Close, CEO of Briggs Equipment UK, said: "This move reflects the aspiration of Briggs which is to invest, grow and expand; building on our platform of success since the Yale UK acquisition two years ago."

Ralf Mock, European MD for Nacco, added: "The addition of the Hyster brand combined with Briggs' expertise and focus on sustainable growth in the highly competitive rental market in the UK, will undoubtedly deliver unrivalled service with award-winning products, delivered by passionate industry experts. On completion, this acquisition will position Hyster and Yale with the largest, multi-skilled engineering workforce in the UK, delivering an enhanced service solution for their customers."

Barloworld will continue to distribute Hyster equipment in the Netherlands, Belgium and South Africa.