Oxford: Shaw Gibbs advises Acklea in its acquisition by SHB Hire

Oxford-based accounting firm Shaw Gibbs has advised Wiltshire-based Acklea, the UK traffic-management equipment supplier, in its acquisition by specialist vehicle-hire and management company SHB Hire.

Clifford Brown, head of corporate finance at Shaw Gibbs, supported Acklea’s shareholders throughout the entire process, offering advice on all aspects of the transaction, including commercial issues and tax advice.

Martin Potter, Acklea director, said: “Clifford and his team were a constant help throughout the transaction. We are confident that we have found a buyer who shares our values and commitments and will help benefit our current and future customers.”

Acklea designs and builds traffic-management vehicles which have a strong reputation for operator safety, high performance and ease of use. These characteristics fit well with SHB’s longer term strategy and vision to be the UK’s leading partner of choice for equipment to the highways maintenance and infrastructure market.

David Phizacklea, another Acklea director, added: “Acklea has been at the forefront of the UK traffic-management vehicle industry with our vehicle designs and equipment. We are delighted to be able to grow our business with the support of a national company which is in a position to invest and grow the business.”