25.04.2014

Rosenbauer acquires UK distributor

Rosenbauer International has acquired a 75 percent stake in its UK distribution partner North Fire. North Fire’s managing director, Oliver North will hold the remaining 25 percent shareholding.

The company, based in Holmfirth, near Manchester will re-brand as Rosenbauer UK at the end of the month. Last year it had revenues of around €3.5 million and employs 10 selling and supporting a wide range of firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, components and municipal vehicles.
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North Fire's premises in Holmfirth

North said: “We are absolutely delighted to have merged with the biggest and best fire fighting vehicle and equipment manufacturer on the planet. Our sole aim has always been to provide sheer quality in terms of fleet and equipment products, and merging the two companies will give the most sustainable platform over and above any other vehicle supplier in Britain. With the absolute ‘best in class’ of Rosenbauer fire fighting vehicles, aerials and equipment, coupled together with an extremely buoyant and exciting thermal imaging product range, we are very excited at what the future holds, not only for ourselves but for our customers, who are in my opinion amongst the most professional fire & rescue services in the world.”

Rosenbauer chief executive Dieter Siegel added: “The Fire & Rescue Services in the United Kingdom are very well known for their professionalism and with our fleet options being regarded as arguably the best on the planet, we feel we are as well-placed to provide improvements, dynamism and quality to the brigades as they look to achieve their utmost in delivering savings whilst increasing their efficiency.”

“North Fire has proven over the past few years that is genuinely the ‘favourite’ supplier on UK shores. The efficiency and work ethic demonstrated by the North Fire team over the past six years has impressed their customers and in turn us. By acquiring the company who have been an efficient and loyal distributor, we are now excited to grow the firm together, by providing a world-class offering of fleet and equipment products.”