Acquisition of Lord Tool Hire by the One Stop Hire Group announced

Lancashire based group One Stop Hire today expanded into the North East of England with its acquisition of the long-established Lord Tool Hire.

Headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, the family-owned Lord Tool Hire company was established 50 years ago and grew to become the North East’s leading independent tool hire stockist with eight depots located from Alnwick to Middlesbrough.

One Stop Hire has 14 depots ranging throughout the North West, Yorkshire, and the Midlands and so the North East is a great fit for their continued growth. Steve Hitchen, Managing Director of One Stop Hire said: “We have seen growing enquiries from our clients who are now winning work in the North East and when the opportunity of Lord Hire came along it made perfect sense.

“The fact that Lord Hire was a long-established name and a family-owned business was another big factor as it was apparent that we share the same values. We look forward to continuing the 50-year journey of Lord Hire and expanding its services to align with our own.”

Chris Rowley, Director, Lord Tool Hire said: “I want to say a huge thank you to One Stop Hire for investing in the North East and wish them every success for the future. It is great to enable the company to grow and develop.”

The family owners of Lord Tool Hire were advised by MHA Tait Walker and Hay & Kilner LLP. One Stop Hire were advised by Fairhurst accountants and Lockett Loveday McMahon solicitors.

Chris Rowley added: “The advice and guidance our advisors provided was second to none and we are extremely grateful to them for all their help and support.”

Steve Plaskitt, head of Corporate Finance at MHA Tait Walker said: “We have enjoyed working with the family to complete the deal and believe that with Steve Hitchen and One Stop Hire we found the right buyer for the continued growth of Lord Tool Hire. We give exiting Managing Director, Chris Rowley, our best wishes for his retirement.”

Ben Jackson, Associate in Hay & Kilner’s Corporate team, said: “It has been a pleasure working on this transaction and we are delighted for the shareholders. Lord Tool Hire has an impressive and successful history, and we wish One Stop Hire the best in taking the company forward.”

Rob Loveday at LLM solicitors said: “We have acted for One Stop since it was acquired by Steve Hitchen and are delighted to be involved in this exciting acquisition.”