08.12.2022

Briggs confirms Blulift acquisition

The Irish division of Briggs Equipment UK has acquired Limerick based access rental company Blulift from owner John Cusack.

Blulift will retain its separate identity within the Briggs Equipment group with Cusack continuing to play a role in the business. The company operates from a facility in Mungret on the west side of the city of Limerick and covers Leinster, Connacht, Munster and Ulster. The fleet includes booms, scissors, trailer and spider lifts as well as a line of material lifts. The company is also a member of the Access Link, the UK/Irish association of independent rental companies.

Cusack launched Blulift in 2011 after a previous company, Sky Lift had run into financial difficulties and closed during the post 2009 economic slowdown.

Briggs Equipment managing director Pete Jones said: “This purchase of Blulift is another significant milestone in our acquisition strategy. Throughout the acquisition process, we have been extremely impressed with the business’ positive employee culture and proven track record of long term success. We are delighted to welcome Blulift into the Briggs family and as part of the group we will be providing them with all the support and investment they need to thrive and reach new heights.”

“The acquisition also highlights our commitment to bolstering our powered access capability within Ireland and ensuring we can continue to provide the best possible service in what is a key market for us.”

Blulift managing director John Cusack added: “This is a really exciting day for the Blulift business and our people. We have worked extremely hard over more than two decades to deliver outstanding service to our loyal customers and before entering into any acquisition discussions, we had to ensure that the philosophy and culture that makes Blulift unique would be preserved. With Briggs Equipment we have a parent company that is proven in delivering on their acquisition promises, delivering appropriate investment, support and guidance.”

“We could not be prouder of the journey we have been on as a business to get to this point, and we can’t wait for the next chapter as part of the Briggs Equipment group.”

Briggs' acquisition trail
Briggs has been expanding in Ireland through acquisitions since 2019 starting in Northern Ireland with the takeover of Balloo Hire, followed a few months later by Belfast based Highway Plant.
More recently it acquired Laois Hire last April, followed by Aerial Platform Hire in February and GPT - Galway Plant & Tool in September.

It has also made a couple of acquisitions in the UK with Scotland’s Access Plus/TrainingPlus in May, and Forkway in England, this time last year.