04.12.2014

Shorts acquires Harrison

UK rental company Shorts Group has acquired Harrison Tools & Plant Hire of Milford, Surrey, as part of its current expansion programme.

The business has been purchased from Francis and Wendy Harrison, both of who are in their late 60s, no details of the transaction have been released. Harrisons has assets in the region of £600,000 and runs a fleet of equipment, largely focussed on the smaller end of the market, although it does have a few trailer and spider lifts. Shorts operates a far wider product range which includes telehandlers, and self-propelled boom lifts.

Shorts was established 57 years ago in Ascot and in addition to its rental operations, runs agricultural contracting, skip hire, waste management, and demolition businesses from new headquarters in Bracknell.

Shorts managing director, Gary Short, said: “I am delighted to welcome Harrison Hire to the Shorts Group. As an independent company with a strong local focus, their business will be a real asset to the group whilst giving Shorts the opportunity to expand our services into new areas.”

Shorts plant hire manager, Jason Southam added: “I am looking forward to working with Harrison Hire staff to further expand our product range and services. Shorts Plant Hire has gone from strength to strength in recent years and this is an exciting new step for all of us.”