Foresight backed RS Industrial Services signals Yorkshire & Humber expansion with strategic acquisition of ACDC Cranes

Premier crane management and lifting specialist, RS Industrial Services, has officially announced the acquisition of Sheffield-based ACDC Cranes Ltd. The transaction was completed with the backing of further investment from the Foresight Group and marks the first step of significant geographic expansion plans for the RS Industrial Services Group.

ACDC Cranes has earned a stellar regional reputation for its specialised 24/7 breakdown support, overhead crane repairs and lifting equipment inspections. The acquisition brings ACDC’s highly skilled engineering workforce into the wider RSIS group, establishing a robust operational hub in Sheffield.

The integration brings immediate mutual benefits to both businesses and their respective client bases. While ACDC’s clients will benefit from RSIS's extensive crane parts supply chain and group resources, the acquisition provides RSIS with a physical launchpad to introduce its comprehensive expertise into a new region. 

As the first bolt-on acquisition since Foresight's investment, the deal marks the start of the next phase of RSIS's growth journey. The acquisition strengthens the group's presence in Yorkshire and the Humber, a region where Foresight has a long track record of investing in ambitious growth businesses. Together, RSIS and Foresight will continue to explore opportunities for further expansion.

Mark Cawley CEO RS Industrial Services comments: "ACDC Cranes is a fantastic business with an exceptional operational profile that aligns perfectly with our core values of safety, rapid response, and technical excellence. We want to thank the staff across the business and look forward to working together. With the backing of the Foresight Group, we are not just expanding our geographic footprint; we are combining our engineering expertise to reinforce our position as a market leading service within the UK overhead cranes & lifting industry" 

Andy Rice, Senior Investment Manager, Foresight Group said: "We are delighted to welcome ACDC Cranes to the RSIS group. ACDC is a high-quality business with an experienced team and a strong customer reputation. This acquisition is an excellent strategic fit and demonstrates the strength of RSIS as an acquisitive platform in the crane and lifting sector. We look forward to supporting the ACDC team as part of the wider group and helping the combined business deliver its next phase of growth." 

Nicky Turner, Founder ACDC Cranes added: "Joining the RSIS Group marks an exciting new chapter for ACDC. We are incredibly proud of the strong business we have built and the exceptional team behind it. Becoming part of RSIS Group provides ACDC with the scale, resources and expertise to accelerate its growth, while creating new opportunities for the business, our people and customers. Importantly, it will allow ACDC to deliver even greater levels of service and support to our customers"