30.06.2014
AFI invests in AJ
UK based rental group AFI has made a ‘substantial investment’ in AJ Access Platforms, the UK based distributor of new and used access equipment.
Founder and owner Tony Mort will retain a stake in the business and will continue to manage it completely independently of the AFI Group.
AJ Access Platforms is based in Caldicot in South Wales, the company was founded by Mort in 1990 and sold its rental operation to AFI three years ago in 2011. It currently has annual revenues of around £10 million selling new and used powered access units throughout the world, while providing service, maintenance and training within the UK. It was recently appointed as Holland Lift distributor for the UK.
Mort said: “We have built up an enviable reputation over almost 25 years in the access platform business, developing markets all over the globe. This investment, from a larger group involved in the disposal of platforms, will ensure the long-term continuity of the company’s business model.”
“AFI has constant access to asset disposal, which is essential in our business. Coupled to great marketing and financial resources, this can only enhance the business. AJ Access will operate as a stand alone business and provide a great asset in disposing of equipment to markets that currently remain untapped.”
AFI has built a successful used equipment sales operation of its own, AFI Resale, which has annual revenues in the region of £5 million.
Nick Leeson
I can see the logic in AFI buying AJ Access as a way of helping dispose of used equipment out of the UK.
I can't see many UK hire companies buying new or used from AJ Access now though, as it will be putting money in their main competitors pocket.