Centurion Group, a global leader in the supply of specialist rentals and services to a range of critical industries for complex, challenging, and remote locations, announces the acquisition of Aerial Platforms Limited (APL), a specialist rental provider of powered access lifting equipment for working-at-height.

Headquartered in Leigh, Greater Manchester, with additional hubs in Newcastle and Carlisle, APL is an owner managed Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) business that delivers safety-driven scissor lifts, boom lifts and telehandlers across the construction, infrastructure and retail sectors.

The acquisition supports the continued growth of Centurion’s UK & Europe footprint, providing three new operating locations in England and access to major industrial customers in the lifting equipment space. APL is a well-recognized brand with a strong market reputation, and as part of Centurion, will benefit from the Group’s financial scale and additional backing to invest in new rental assets, infrastructure and capabilities – supporting accelerated growth across the UK.

Since the Group came together in late 2017, Centurion has grown organically and by acquisition from ~$200m Revenue to ~$500m Revenue at the end of 2024. Acquisitions are central to Centurion’s growth strategy and the company has completed 21 acquisitions in the UK, US, Canada, Europe, UAE and Australia since 2017, accelerating its expansion into structurally growing end markets such as renewables, minerals, infrastructure, defence and government.

Looking ahead, the Group has an active pipeline of acquisition opportunities, to complement its operations in the UK, Europe, Canada, US, Middle East and Australia.

Euan Leask, Centurion’s CEO, said:
“We’re 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. ”

Jason Seddon, Owner of APL, said:
“Joining Centurion marks an exciting new chapter for APL. We’re proud of what we’ve built and look forward to growing our business as part of a Group that shares our commitment to service, safety and continuous improvement.”

Cooper Parry advised the APL shareholders on the transaction, Peter Williams, Partner, said:
“We are delighted to have advised the shareholders of Aerial Platforms on this strategic transaction. Aerial Platforms expertise and high-quality service in the MEWP market make it a perfect fit for Centurion Group, bringing opportunities to further scale their UK operations. We look forward to seeing Aerial Platforms thrive as part of Centurion Group’s global platform.”

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