UK based powered access platform company, Aspire Platforms (Aspire), has completed an all share purchase acquisition of an alloy tower and aerial lift rental operations company, London Tower Services (LTS), expanding Aspire’s geographical presence to London just two years after it was established by Vincent Rourke in Leigh, Greater Manchester.
With gross assets in the region of £4.5m, LTS is a well-established and well-known specialist access provider. The acquisition shows a clear statement of Aspire’s ambition to build their brand and create a national network of specialist access hire services to support their loyal customers across the UK.
Late last year, Vincent Rourke and Simon Dunn established parent company Aspire Group of Businesses Ltd, prior to looking out for acquisition opportunities to expand on their current footprint in Manchester and Yorkshire.
With an existing fleet of 305 platforms, mostly consisting of self-propelled boom and scissor lifts, it is clear to see that LTS is going to be a great asset to the growing brand and now takes their total machine count to 745.
Vincent Rourke, Founder and Group Manager Director of Aspire Group, comments:
“LTS is the perfect partner and this acquisition delivers on all fronts. Firstly, it gives us an excellent geographic location from which to service the wider London and South East market. Secondly, it gives us two well respected businesses and brands with the resources and expertise to offer a comprehensive range of access solutions, from conventional Aluminium Towers to aerial work platforms and specialist products and services to the rail sector.”
Corporate finance advice to Aspire was provided by Leonherman, the firm’s retained advisors, and the lending facility was provided by PMD’s Structured Finance Solutions division. Legal advice was provided by David Easdown and Ryan Tweedale at Knights.
Callum Bull, Structured Finance Director at PMD Business Finance, comments:
“We are proud to have supported Aspire through the acquisition and to provide a quick turnaround for Vincent and Simon for what was an incredibly important deal for the business’s future growth plans.
“It is an exciting time for all at Aspire and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Aspire brand and to see how far they spread their national footprint.”
Jerry Scriven, Corporate Finance Partner at Leonherman, comments:
“Having worked with Vincent, Simon and the team since Aspire’s inception we are delighted to have helped them secure this pivotal transaction for the business’s future strategy, particularly in such a challenging deal making environment. We look forward with relish to supporting them on the next stage on their growth journey.”
Simon Dunn, Chairman, added:
“Our continued growth and all-round performance in Manchester and Yorkshire, despite the market uncertainty, has been amazing and this has given the Board and our young and dynamic Management Team the confidence to expand into London and the South East.
“Working with PMD felt like a breath of fresh air. With a quick turnaround and effortless service, it was great to be supported by a business who were just as passionate about our growth plans as we are.”
