Fox Group goes national with latest acquisition

Fox Group has announced a major shift from primarily a North West provider of its multi-faceted services to a significant nationwide operator with the multi-million-pound acquisition of Cotswold Roller Hire Limited (CRH), a major force in the hire of specialist compaction equipment across England and Wales.

The acquisition strengthens Fox Group’s market position with the addition of CRH’s extensive portfolio of plant, machinery, market knowledge and depots.  Founded in 1965, CRH has established itself as one of the pioneers of non–operated plant hire, earning a reputation for expertise and product innovation. CRH operates from eight depots: HQ in Evesham, Andover, Bridgend, Essex, County Durham, Plymouth, Sheffield and Wigan, each of which will now be able to offer clients the comprehensive range of extensive services that the Fox Group provides.

In announcing the acquisition, Paul Fox, CEO of Fox Group, commented, “CRH has a solid reputation with strong family values and an outstanding team who are passionate about customer service, which is aligned to the Fox Group culture. The acquisition of CRH adds a large number of plant items and specialised transport to our already substantial fleet of plant, tippers and bulk haulage.  The geographical spread of CRH’s depot extends the reach of Fox Group, hugely increasing our footprint across the UK”

Neville Thomas, managing director at CRH commented: “This announcement is good news for the future of CRH. Our business achieved record results in 2021, thanks to the effort and commitment of all our employees. Becoming part of the Fox Group will allow us to build on that success. Over the coming years, there will be new opportunities to grow and develop the business."

John Flood, Fox Group COO, commented: “The acquisition of CRH is another step in the delivery of our strategic plan, strengthening our core market position and bringing with it additional commercial benefits. This next stage is an exciting time for the growth of the Fox Group."

In the past three years Fox Group has continued to deliver its strategy to expand its scope and scale, with the latest acquisition allowing the group to move from a regional to national operator.  Through organic and acquisition growth, the group, consisting of  Fox Brothers (Lancashire), Fox Properties, Hurt Plant Hire, Celplas, JJ O’Grady Ltd, Blackledge Plant Hire and now CRH boasts 18 locations, a 270 wagon fleet, 1800 items of plant and machinery as well as employment for 620 people. The eight new locations boosts the already extensive portfolio owned by Fox Properties.

The group, founded in 1932 by Jack Fox who handed the reigns to his son Harold Fox (HF), known as Barney, in the 1970s, is well-positioned to continue to deliver strong revenue growth and solid financial returns, providing the platform to deliver its long-term plan.  

The transaction was supported by Close Brothers, the FTSE 250 Merchant Bank. Andrew Metcalfe, corporate sales director commented: “We are delighted to assist Fox Brothers with this transaction and to help the group expand nationally.”

Close Brothers has a long-standing relationship with Fox Group. Paul Fox further commented that “With this, as with previous acquisitions we are grateful for the ongoing support of Close Brothers, whose commitment to support our commercial strategy is enabling us to realise our ambition for growth." Fox Group was advised by Hill Dickinson. 

For more information on Fox Group, please contact the Marketing Team 01253 893339 or visit www.Foxgroup.co