10.04.2017

Riwal acquires AFI GmbH

Dutch international rental company Riwal has acquired German aerial work platform and telehandler rental company AFI GmbH from owner Günther Aust.

AFI GmbH was established by Aust in Hamburg in October 2003 with the support of AFI in the UK, following Aust’s departure from Lavendon’s then German subsidiary Zooom. The connections between the two AFI companies ended not long after the German business ‘found its feet’. It grew setadily and at one point opened a branch in Romania, but then as the financial crisis began to bite it ran into difficulties and in 2011 appointed an administrator. But both Aust and the business bounced back and AFI now runs a fleet of 1,300 machines from nine depots across Germany with 110 employees.
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Günther Aust

Aust will remain on board as managing director for the next three months , and will stay involved as an advisor for at least another nine months after that. Riwal chief operating officer Søren Rosenkrands will be in charge of the integration of the two companies and will lead the two on an interim basis in addition to his existing duties. Riwal Germany will continue to be managed by Riwal’s Nick Field.
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AFI Germany runs a fleet of more than 1,300 aerial lifts and telehandlers

Riwal chief executive Norty Turner said: “Riwal and AFI GmbH are a strong fit as both companies are specialists in powered access and have a strong customer focus. In line with its growth strategy, the acquisition allows Riwal to strengthen its position in Germany, one of the largest access equipment rental markets in Europe. It will provide our German customers as well as our international key accounts with national coverage in Germany, helping us to provide the best customer experience. The entire Riwal team and I warmly welcome AFI’s team into the Riwal group.”

Aust added: “I am proud that the company we have developed since 2003 is now joining forces with one of the global leaders in powered access rental. It will allow for further growth in the German market and will provide development opportunities for the employees. In the period ahead, I will closely work for Riwal to ensure a successful integration between the two companies”.

Vertikal Comment

This looks like a good move for both parties, it gives Riwal a significant boost in the German market, while allowing Aust to cash out some six years after it looked as though it was all over. It also brings to an end an access career that includes more than 20 years spent building up two major aerial lift rental businesses.

Although he may be a little young to head out to permanent pasture just yet? It is entirely possible therefore that summer 2018 will not be the last we see of Günther Aust in the access business?