12.10.2016

AFI acquires Rapid

UK rental group AFI has acquired Rapid Platforms from the Jordan family and will run it as an independent business within the AFI group of companies.

The Rapid Platforms company name and branding with continue unchanged, as will the existing management team, but will have the support of AFI's resources

Rapid Platforms operates from a base in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, and claims to be the oldest independent powered access company in the UK having started in 1982. The company- founded and majority owned by John and Carrie Jordan - offers platform rental, sales and servicing and runs an IPAF accredited training centre. It has annual revenues approaching £4 million and a fleet of over 150 aerial lifts, and hoists.

AFI chief operating officer David McNicholas said: “This acquisition further highlights the strength of the AFI business to capitalise on opportunities as they arise. Rapid Platforms has an excellent reputation for the quality of its fleet and customer service. The acquisition strengthens our presence further in the South East and London.”
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Vertikal Comment

Rapid Platforms was established by husband and wife team John and Carrie Jordan. After son Alistair Jordan joined the business and gained experience in the day to day management of the company, eventually becoming managing director, the Jordans began stepping up the hand over as they spent more time travelling. It looked at one time as though the business would stay in the family but a couple of years ago Alistair Jordan decided this was not what he wanted, left the business last year. He joined Snorkel UK earlier this year.

This solution appears to be a good one for all concerned in that the management team, which owns part of the business, will continue operating the company as they have done for the past year or so, but with the additional resources and investment from AFI, while the Jordans exit the business to focus on their retirement now that they are in their 70s.