TotalKare targets 20% growth after MBO
Heavy-duty vehicle lifting equipment provider TotalKare says it is targeting significant growth after being bought as part of a management buy-out (MBO).
TotalKare, which sells mobile and fixed lifts to national operators and independent workshops, has been purchased by a team led by lifting specialist David Hall (pictured, left), existing chairman Mike Lord and fellow directors James Radford (right) and Peter Geobey (centre).
The company says the deal, which has been supported by Santander, will give it the ideal opportunity to build on a record year that saw it boost turnover by £300,000, with the emphasis on making the most of the roll-out of the new fixed two and four-post lifts and the launch of an online training platform to improve efficiency and health and safety in the sector.
“This is a very exciting time to be heading up the MBO, with TotalKare the market leader in our field and with lots of exciting new products to promote…this strong platform for growth owes a lot to the hard work and vision of former managing director Tim Jackson and technical director Michael Gilliam,” said David, who has been involved in lifting technology for the last 15 years.
“In the short-term, we want to build on our reputation for delivering solutions, so that it is about much more than just selling a specific set of lifts. It’s about the complete customer experience from their first contract through to initial site assessment, the training we provide and our best-in-class servicing and maintenance packages.
He continued: “Our plan is to grow 20 per cent over the next eighteen months, with a specific focus on increasing market share with our two and four-post fixed lifts and the successful introduction of our innovative online training programme. The latter will reduce the time engineers need to be out of the workshop, with the courses completed on a tablet or laptop meaning they can be started and finished in a timescale that suits both the business and the employee.
“There are also some really ambitious plans for the longer-term, but we are keeping those close to our chest for now.”
The Halesowen-based firm is well known for its mobile column lift offering, but also provides two and four-post lifts, which are available in several lengths and weight capacities to suit a variety of requirements, including a galvanised option for use in washbays.
The two-post lift has been designed for use with long wheel base vans, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Volkswagen Crafter and the Iveco Daily.
The transaction was funded using debt facilities provided by Santander UK plc. James Cooksey, growth capital director, added: “Santander are delighted to provide funding for the acquisition by David and the team and look forward to supporting their future growth plans.”
David Hall concluded: “I’m very pleased with the new senior management team and the wealth of experience we have at our disposal in James, Mike, Peter and the rest of our hugely committed staff. They all understand the TotalKare philosophy and we now have the opportunity to add to this by putting our ideas into action and our own stamp on things.”
