WH Scott & Son Engineers Acquires RHC Lifting Limited

W.H. Scott Group Investment Press Release

W.H. Scott Group is delighted to announce the acquisition of one of the UK’s premier lifting equipment companies, RHC Lifting Limited . The acquisition is a major step in WH Scott Group’s UK growth strategy and marks our fifth acquisition to date and fourth in the past three years.

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W.H. Scott Group is a market leader in Ireland and the UK in the design, fabrication, supply, maintenance, inspection, and certification of equipment used in highly regulated lifting and industrial markets. The Group is headquartered in Rathnew Wicklow, with depots located across Ireland and the UK. The Group aims to offer a complete range of lifting and industrial safety solutions to its customers through its specialised operating entities (W.H. Scott & Son Engineers, Hiltonne Engineers, Metlab , ReRopes Ltd and Hutcheon Examination Services Limited ). Post transaction the Group will employee c.300 people. W.H. Scott Group received an investment from Renatus Capital Partners in October 2023.

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RHC Lifting was set up in 2001 by Phil Goodway, Tony Morgan and Andy Cayzer who saw a gap in the lifting equipment market for expertise in highly complex lifting projects, prompt & high-quality equipment maintenance and honest objective advice. They have grown the business over 23 years to become one of the UK’s leading experts in their field and boasts a?blue chip?customer, supplier and employee base through its six locations. Post transaction, all three directors will remain with the company, with Phil becoming the Managing Director of WH Scott Group’s UK lifting operations. RHC Lifting have c.70 employees based across Southern England. ?

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Patrick Doyle, CEO of W.H. Scott Group said:?“W.H. Scott & Son Engineers has been at the forefront of engineering since its establishment in 1897. Over the years, we have grown exponentially, focusing on quality, people, and innovation. Today, we operate in various sectors, including government, utilities, military, transport, construction, pharma, and the lift industry. undertaking large-scale projects from concept to commissioning. We have a particular expertise in providing regulatory driven inspection and certification services as well as the associated maintenance requirements. Our current footprint includes production, stores & offices in Ireland, the UK, and Bosnia.

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At W.H. Scott group, we place a high level of importance on maintaining standards and investing in our people. This commitment has allowed us to consistently deliver exceptional results to our clients.

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This acquisition of one of the most respected companies in this space will guarantee the W.H. Scott Group delivers on its plans to be at the forefront of our chosen business areas across Ireland and the UK. RHC lifting has a strong, proven track record and is managed by passionate people who align with W.H. Scott Group’s own passion.”

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Phil Goodway, Director of RHC said:?“We are incredibly excited to become part of the WH Scott Group family. This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our growth strategy and strengthens the groups position as a leader in the lifting industry. RHC Lifting Ltd has a strong reputation for quality and reliability, and we believe that by bringing our two companies together, we will be able to offer even greater value to our customers across the UK and Ireland.

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For us, this is more than just an acquisition—it’s a partnership built on shared values. Both companies are committed to delivering the highest standards of safety, innovation, and customer service, and that shared focus will only grow stronger as we integrate. The RHC team has built a business with deep expertise and strong relationships in the industry, and we’re thrilled to be combining our strengths to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can offer.

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We see tremendous opportunity in this partnership, not only in expanding our service capabilities but also in creating new opportunities for both our teams and our customers. This is an exciting time for the WH Scott Group, and we’re confident that together with RHC Lifting Ltd, we’re setting the stage for a future filled with innovation and success”

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Advisers:

WHS

Legal:?Tughans Commercial Team led by John McGuckian, Aimee Craig and Enya Hood. Tughans Debt Team led by Douglas Anderson and Alice Coogan

Financial Due Diligence:?HNH led by Rodney McCaughey and Tom Swatman

Tax Due Diligence:?HNH led by Mark Hood and June Barton

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RHC

Legal: Temple Bright led by Alex Pyatt

Corporate Finance: Kingsbrook led by Luke Rebbettes and Scott Mason?

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Financing

Bank of Ireland: Led by Jerry O’Sullivan and Adam O’Connor

Legal: Mason Hayes Curran led by Cathy Grant, Keane Delahunt, Beth Gill, Daire Russell, áine Quigley and Caroline Diviney as well as TLT led by Caroline MacLaughlin

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