A leading Cumbrian family firm has acquired the well-established county business Border Group for an undisclosed sum.
Lloyd Ltd has announced the acquisition and a new managing director for Border Group, which includes Border Barrier Systems, Border Loos and Border Show Services.
Border Group was founded in 1989 by Philip Armstrong, who died in 2020 after a long illness.
Lloyd Ltd chief executive Barry Lloyd and his family have been long-standing close friends of Philip and were keen to acquire the opportunity to continue his legacy and build on his success, they said.
Border Group’s portfolio covers the construction and events sectors.
Henry Lloyd, co-director, commented: “The new demand for events and experiences will make Border Group the go-to company for event equipment. They have always supplied both local and national events – including the London 2012 Olympics – so we are excited for the future.”
Charles Riddell, the new managing director, will work closely with Henry to develop the business.
With extensive commercial experience, having been a director of Cumbria Waste Management for many years, Charles said he was keen to harness the potential of the local company.
He added: “The new acquisition comes at the perfect time for Border Group after an understandably challenging year throughout which the staff have worked incredibly hard to maintain the business.
“The Lloyd family is making a significant investment in this well-known company to help generate future growth from its successful foundations and create additional employment.”
Lloyd Ltd has completed a second transaction, investing in the Rhino Barriers intellectual property from PolyJohn International.
It means Border Group now has control of the product from design through to manufacturing and distribution, resulting in greater market opportunities.
Henry added: “Border Barriers has always been commercially important to the company, providing essential vehicle and pedestrian safety products, and the Rhino acquisition gives Border Group yet more scope to develop this part of the business.
“We are looking forward to revitalising Border Group, using the alliance between the two companies to develop new opportunities.”
Lloyd Ltd was founded in 1964 as a single Ford tractor dealership in Carlisle.
It is now run by George Lloyd as managing director and his father Barry.
The company now has seven branches across the north of England and south of Scotland from which it offers machinery sales, parts and service from a wide range of leading manufacturers focused on the agricultural, construction, groundcare and lawncare sectors.
