14.01.2005

Loxam Ireland Access

We understand that negotiations are going on between UK platforms and Loxam regarding the purchase of the Ireland Access business by Loxam. While this deal seems to be a "fait accompli" locally, neither company would confirm the transaction nor comment on it.

UK Platforms is currently owned by Pinguely-Haulotte since they stepped in early last year. A deal such as this would take Haulotte out of the Irish rental market, while strengthening Loxams market position there, putting them firmly into the second place behind Height for Hire.

At leat two depots, namely the merged operations two Dublin locations, will be merged. creating significant savings. One advantage of Loxam buying this business is that the two companies share very similar machine liveries..

The Ireland Access fleet consists of 300 Haulotte units, a high percentage of them being booms. This transaction reduces the UK platfroms/Ireland Access fleet to around 900 units. Pierrick Lourdain, Managing Director of Haulotte UK and General manager of UK Platfroms has said that the plan is to reduce the combined fleet to just under 800 units. This sale clearly goes a long way towards that goal.

As soon as we can confirm the details of this transaction or obtain a comment from the participants we will post an update.