Worldwide industrial services company Harsco Corp. last week announced a purchase agreement to acquire Bell Scaffolding Group, one of Australia’s largest, privately owned infrastructure companies. Terms of the acquisition, expected to close in early January, were not disclosed.
Operating across the east coast of Australia through a network of branch locations, Bell Scaffolding serves the industrial, infrastructure and commercial construction sectors. Bell’s capabilities range from technical design and support through supply and erect contracts as well as sales. The company’s long-standing client list includes some of Australia’s largest and best-known industrial, mining and construction companies.
“Bell Scaffolding is the type of solid, geographically well-positioned company we have been seeking to further grow our market share within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region,” said Harsco chairman and CEO Salvatore Fazzolari. “Coupled with our recently announced joint venture with one of China’s largest construction groups and our growing presence in other parts of this region including India, Harsco is bringing together the essential ingredients for a strong and sustainable market presence in this active and important region.”
Harsco also recently bought ESCO Interamerica, one of Latin America’s premier engineering and equipment services providers to the infrastructure sector. Completed last month, the ESCO acquisition has expanded Harsco’s Latin America presence with seven additional countries of operation and provides a gateway into additional countries, such as Brazil.
“Armed with the full range of Harsco Infrastructure’s diverse rental equipment assets and services, we believe that Bell will be in a position to secure additional new opportunities and become a solid catalyst to Harsco’s growth in Australia and the surrounding region,” added Fazzolari.
Bell employs about 300 people and recorded 2008 sales of almost $40 million.
Harsco is based in Harrisburg, Pa. Its Patent Construction Systems, which provides rental scaffolding, shoring and forming in North America, is based in Paramus, N.J., and is No. 18 on the RER 100.
