Materials handling, asset management and engineering services provider Briggs Equipment UK has been acquired by pension capital firm, IFM Investors. IFM has invested more than £5 billion into UK infrastructure over the past 20 years, with investments including stakes in Anglian Water, M6Toll and Manchester Airports Group. Their global portfolio comprises some of the world’s largest infrastructure assets, including ports and freight terminals outside the UK. They bring a patient, growth-orientated investment approach.
Formerly owned by Sammons Enterprises, Inc. of Dallas, Texas, Briggs Group is one of the largest providers and service organisations for capital equipment across the UK and Ireland. The Group comprises a portfolio of materials handling businesses, most notably Briggs Equipment, alongside specialist rental, plant hire, powered access and specialist engineering services operations. Headquartered in Cannock, Staffordshire, Briggs Group has experienced significant growth in recent years and reported turnover of approximately £450m for 2025.
Peter Jones, Group Managing Director for Briggs Group commented,
“We are delighted to have exchanged on this transaction and to be commencing the next chapter of the Briggs Group as part of IFM Investors’ portfolio. Over recent years we have deliberately built a resilient and diversified platform, and this investment is a clear endorsement of both our strategy and the quality of our people. IFM’s patient, growth orientated approach aligns closely with our ambitions for the Group. Their understanding of infrastructure businesses makes them an excellent partner as we look to accelerate our growth and invest further in our capabilities. Most importantly, this transaction creates exciting opportunities for our colleagues, reinforces our ability to support our customers and our OEM partners over the long term, and positions the Group strongly for continued success.”
Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure Europe at IFM Investors said, “We are pleased to partner with Briggs as it enters the next stage of its development. As a well-established business operating within the infrastructure value chain, we believe Briggs is well positioned for success, and we see opportunity to support management’s growth strategy”.
Briggs Group has strategic partnerships with, and represents brands such as Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Combilift, JCB, JLG and Hako. It supports numerous blue-chip companies such as Travis Perkins, Peel Ports Group, Tarmac and Irish Rail. Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary regulatory clearances.
