APP Lifting Services

Park Place advised Paul Wright, the sole shareholder of APP Lifting Services, a market leader in the design and manufacture of bespoke lifting equipment, on the sale to Amplex AB, a Swedish industrials group.  

Based in Doncaster, APP designs and manufactures lifting beams, spreader beams, counter-balance beams, lifting frames and material handling devices for a range of industries through its SectionLift UK brand. The company also operates a London depot under the London Lifting Gear brand to provide access to the South-East market.

Following an extensive marketing exercise to domestic and European buyers, a total of six offers were received from both trade and private equity bidders. Park Place ran a competitive process which resulted in Amplex being selected as the preferred bidder. The sale enables Paul to realise the value created during his 30-year tenure as owner, whilst ensuring that the business retains its identity and culture under Amplex’s decentralised model.

Commenting on the sale of the company, Ben Peacock who led the deal from Park Place said: “APP has carved out a market leading niche in the design and manufacture of bespoke high-quality lifting beams that attracted significant interest from trade and private equity acquirers. Amplex’s approach made them a compelling acquirer for Paul. This deal is evidence of a growing trend towards Swedish industrials groups buying founder-led SMEs in the UK market.”