An affiliate of Miami-based investment firm H.I.G. Capital has acquired U.K. safety equipment distributor Arco Limited, the firm announced Wednesday.
Arco, H.I.G. officials said, is the U.K.'s leading distributor of safety wear and protective equipment, as well as a provider of safety services and training to “blue-chip, national customers” across the infrastructure, utility, defense and healthcare markets. The company said that it sees an opportunity to expand its product and service capabilities, invest in its “digital proposition,” and pursue strategic acquisition both in its home country and abroad.
Arco is based in Hull, England, and dates back to 1884. It operates branches across the U.K.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“H.I.G. shares our ambition for the business and brings significant experience helping companies grow, both in the U.K. and internationally,” Arco CEO Guy Bruce said in a statement. “We look forward to working together to invest in our people and capabilities.”
"Arco has established a leading position as the U.K.'s foremost experts in safety wear and protective equipment, supported by long-standing, blue-chip customer relationships and a differentiated product and service proposition,” added Adam Taylor, the managing director in H.I.G.'s London office. “Arco is a strong fit with H.I.G.'s strategy of partnering with high-quality businesses where we can use our operational resources, international network, and M&A capabilities to support the next phase of growth.”
