Wire ropes and lifting gear distributor, Certex UK, has acquired TRS Motorsport Equipment in a deal that it is expecting to open up important market opportunities.
Best known as a manufacturer and distributor of FIA approved motorsport safety harnesses, road harnesses, vehicle accessories and carbon fibre products. TRS is a pioneer in motorsport safety with a distinguished history and a solid distribution network. Certex has a wider focus on wire ropes and lifting gear in industry, offshore, renewables and other major markets. TRS Motorsport will be managed by Certex UK.
“This is an exciting time for the business,” says Kevin Smith, managing director at Certex. “We have a strong and active acquisition programme and were delighted with the opportunity to help take TRS forward. This business is already successful and bringing TRS aboard gives us the opportunity to look at new markets aligned to our existing business and develop our expertise in related sectors. It immediately opens up for an even more attractive offering, providing existing customers access to an extended range of products and services from TRS and ourselves”.
“TRS is well positioned for continued growth within their niche and also brings with them an important network of resellers,” added Erik Eklöv, managing director of Certex sister company Frorankra. “The team at TRS will benefit from the added support and investment that belonging to our group will bring.”
Certex and Forankra are part of Axel Johnson International’s business group AxLoad. The parent company, Axel Johnson, is a US$13bn turnover family business employing more than 22,000 people worldwide.
Certex has an extensive presence in Scandinavia, The Netherlands, the Baltics, Russia, Germany, as well as the UK. In addition to specialist lifting products, inspections and maintenance, its team is highly skilled in providing bespoke, high specification lifting services for the processing of steel wire rope assemblies to customers in the manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, offshore, oil, gas and shipping industries.
“Certex is growing organically, but we also have a strong parent company behind us that encourages us to expand further,” concluded Smith. “Together we place huge significance on sustainability and being an excellent corporate citizen. As is the case with this deal, where there is an opportunity to take on and improve a successful organisation in related industry, we will seize it and make the most of our commitment, experience and expertise.”
