One of the UK’s biggest independent plant and machinery suppliers has continued its growth in the US with its second international acquisition in six months.
Bristol-based Molson Group has bought quarrying, mining and waste management equipment dealers Powerscreen of Washington for an undisclosed sum.
The deal comes after Molson snapped up the business that operates the Powerscreen brand in California and Hawaii in April.
With its latest agreement, Molson - a £375m turnover business - said it had expanded its coverage of across the whole of the US West Coast, providing it with a “strong platform” for further growth in North America.
The business, which employs around 300 people at its headquarters on Smoke Lane in Avonmouth, said a tech platform it has developed specifically to help run smaller equipment businesses, had been a “key factor” in the deal.
Chief operating officer Jason Powles said: “We can’t wait to work closely with the team at Powerscreen of Washington to implement these tools, which will deliver immediate improvements for the business, its customers and its staff.
"We will also gradually evolve the product range we offer in the US to mirror the 360-degree approach that has been so successful in Molson’s UK business.”
Powerscreen of Washington director Pat Lowe said he was “excited” by the growth opportunities and expansion in resources Molson’s takeover could bring.
“We felt an instant synergy with the Molson team and their approach – a total commitment to customer service, a comprehensive product range, and a culture of looking after its people," he said. “This, combined with the huge benefits Molson brings with its operational capability makes for an exciting new direction for the future of this business.”
Molson said the deal would further strengthen its relationship with Powerscreen’s equipment partner Terex, with the firm already a UK supplier of the manufacturing giant’s products.
Pat Brian, vice president and managing director of Terex Corporation, added: “This second acquisition further strengthens our relationship with this impressive and forward-looking business. We are particularly excited for the benefits that this acquisition will bring both for our customers in the States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, as well as our own business.”
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