13.01.2020

BrandSafway acquires Hydro Mobile/AGF

US based suspended access, mastclimber and scaffold rental group BrandSafway is to acquire Canadian mast climber specialist AGF Access Group owner of Hydro Mobile, Winsafe, Hydro Rents, IEQ, Jamco Construction and Noxxent.

Based in L’Assomption, Quebec, AGF operates two manufacturing facilities in Canada along with 24 sales and rental branches across North America. The company prides itself on providing turnkey solutions for both small scale multibillion dollar construction and refurbishment projects. Established in 1948, the group employs around 2,500 staff across 11 countries. The deal is expected to close during the first quarter.

Dave Witsken, president of BrandSafway energy and industrial said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to partner with a leader in motorised access equipment, enabling us to grow our market presence in mast climbing, suspended access solutions, elevators and building maintenance units throughout North America. With a dedicated team of engineers, a strong distribution network, world class manufacturing and experienced leadership, AGF Access Group will bring great value to BrandSafway. As a combined entity, we will be able to provide an even wider range of access solutions.”

AGF president Vincent Dequoy added: “We are thrilled to be joining the BrandSafway team. We look forward to working together to leverage our complementary businesses for growth. AGF will be able to expand its mast climbing and suspended access business throughout North America and provide more services and products to existing customers as well. This is an exciting time for AGF, our employees and our customers.”

BrandSafway is an increasingly large conglomeration of scaffold, hoist and mostly non-mobile access equipment rental and contracting operations, having incorporated Harsco Infrastructure, SGB, Spider and Hünnebeck. In the past year or two it has also added Sheedy Hoist in California, Century Elevators in Texas and Cabrillo hoists in Southern California, along with Taylor’s Hoists/Lyndon Scaffolding in the UK and most recently Massachusetts based Bowline - see: Another acquisition for BrandSafway.