19.05.2025

New owner for APL

UK rental company Aerial Platforms Limited (APL) has been acquired by the Centurion group.

Established in 2008 APL is based in Leigh, near Manchester, with depots in Newcastle and Carlisle, and is owned by Jason and Rachel Seddon. It runs a fleet of just over 800 machines, including boom and scissor lifts, spider lifts and telehandlers. Revenues to the end of July 2024 were £12.1 million, with a pre-tax profit of £1.5 million. Total assets were just over £19 million, with a tangible net worth of £5 million, however it current liabilities exceed £7 million. APL joined the Access Alliance last year.

Centurion
Centurion was established in 2017 with a $200 million investment, from its owner, Houston, Texas based private equity firm SCF which was founded in 1989 by L.E Simmons. It focuses on long term investments in energy services, equipment, and technology companies.

Centurion's headquarters are located in Dyce, Scotland, the company runs a wide range of services including rental, across the USA, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Pacific, with a focus on the energy market. Since 2017, the business has grown both organically and through 21 acquisitions, with revenues in the region of $500 million last year.

Speaking of the acquisition it said: “For Centurion, this deal supports the continued growth of our presence in the UK and Europe, bringing in three new operating locations, as well as access to major industrial customers within the lifting equipment market.”

Chief executive Euan Leask added: "We are very pleased to welcome APL to Centurion. The business has a strong reputation across the UK in the powered access market, making it a great addition to our UK & Europe operations. The acquisition not only expands our footprint across England, but also strengthens our position in the construction, infrastructure and retail markets, and grows the range of lifting services we can offer our customers.”