17.11.2025

Platform Parts acquires CPS

Belgian aerial lift spare parts and used equipment company Vertimac / Platform Parts, has acquired a majority stake in UK based replacement parts supplier CPS /Cherrypicker Shop.

Vertimac has purchased the shares held by Richard Tindale and family, while co-owner Tom Cribb retains his significant minority stake in the company and will take over the full time management of the business. Tindale, 65, will retire but initially remain in the background for a transitional period or for as long as he might, or might not be needed.

Based in County Durham in the north of England, Cherrypicker Shop was established in mid-2020 by Tindale and Cribb to sell new and used platforms along with spare parts for discontinued product lines such as Simon. It is first year it was also appointed as a regional dealer for Imer spider lifts. More recently, the two decided to change the trading name/brand to Cherry Picker Parts or ‘CPS’ to reflect and focus on the side of the business that was growing rapidly and delivering the vast majority of its revenues.

In the five years since opening, the company has become a significant multi-brand supplier of parts for all types of aerial work platforms and was appointed as a Genie Authorised Parts Provider earlier this year. The company now holds an extensive inventory of parts for most major manufacturers, helping make next day delivery increasingly common. As a result, it has become the one-call solution for a growing number of mixed rental fleets and service engineers working on multiple manufacturers’ machines.

Vertimac was established in 2011 as a used equipment business, and in 2015 began shipping spare parts with the containers of used equipment it sold. In the years since the parts business has grown into a seriously important and significant operation, to the point where in August it also changed its name to Platform Parts.

The UK has been a tough market to crack for the Belgian business, and it has become increasingly obvious that in order to become a significant player in the UK market, it needed a local base and an experienced local team. The Cherry Picker opportunity came along at just the right time. CPS will continue to trade as normal under its current identity but with the benefit of Vertimac/Platform Parts resources.

Tom Cribb said: “This is a great opportunity for us to build on the foundations we have laid over the past five years and provide customers with an even better service, faster delivery from UK stock and more competitive pricing. We have already made good progress with major as well as smaller and mid-size rental companies, and we believe this deal will enable us to become the number one choice for all brands of access parts in the UK”
Mathieu Naessens of Platform Parts added: “To make a real difference in the UK, you need a partner who understands the market from within. Cherrypicker Shop shares our values, our customer focus, and our technical expertise. This synergy allows us to grow together and support customers with even greater efficiency.”

Purchasing director Karel Ghistelinck said: “The UK market has great potential, with new brands – including several from Asia – gaining momentum. By working alongside CPS, we can respond to these changes locally, with the right stock, service and know how.”

Vertikal Comment

This looks like a great move for both parties. The two companies have a similar history, a very similar attitude to business and the same passion when it comes to the provision of a first class service.

Tindale will be more than happy to have found such a good company to hand over to and Cribb will be equally happy, perhaps relieved even, to have such a good majority shareholder replacement in terms of attitude and approach, while also offering substantial resources.

Few acquisitions look so positive at their debut.