Rental company TIP Trailer Services UK has bought the trailer rental fleet of Stockport Truck Centre (STC) for an undisclosed sum.
The deal for 420 trailers takes the TIP trailer fleet to more than 8,400. Commercial director Mike Furnival (pictured left) said through its FleetCare fleet maintenance programme TIP already had a good working relationship with STC, which provides trailer maintenance services.
“We were well aware of the successful growth of their trailer rental business. With many of the trailers being recent acquisitions in 2012 and 2013, the deal with STC enables us to incorporate a significantly younger trailer rental fleet into the TIP trailer portfolio,” he said.
Gareth Hardy (pictured right), MD of the Cheshire-based STC, said he felt the timing was right for the company to sell its trailer fleet as it had taken the fleet as far as it could. “We firmly believe that further growth could only be achieved under the ownership of a company that could provide a much higher and comprehensive level of national coverage to our rental customers.
“STC is predominantly a North West company and this deal allows us to concentrate on the growth of our maintenance operation in the region. This aspect of the company has become the key to the success of the business.
“Recently, we have just opened an additional new bodyshop and service facility in north Manchester, as well as now offering full ATF/VOSA testing and tachograph facilities.”
The trailers are predominantly curtainsiders, as well as a mix of refrigerated, box van and skeletal trailers within the existing fleet.
Last year, HNA Group bought TIP from GE Capital.
