Riwal crane rental sold to Sarens

Lifting and transport specialist Sarens will acquire the Dutch crane rental operations of Riwal.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, will take effect on 1 July 2007. A fleet of 30 Riwal mobile cranes and 40 employees will transfer to Sarens’Dutch operation. Both companies are based in Dordrecht.

The sale of the crane rental operation allows Riwal to focus on aerial work platforms as its core business. It has already been in AWPs for 20 years and has a fleet of 8,000 units.

Sarens Netherlands is part of the international Sarens Group, headquartered in Belgium. Its fleet in the Netherlands includes 45 mobile telescopic cranes up to 700 tonnes capacity and 40 crawler cranes up to 250 tonnes capacity.

Martin Verzijl, Sarens Netherlands director, commented, “Acquiring the Riwal crane business fits into the ambition of Sarens to keep growing on the Dutch market... We are sure that the oiled train we consider the Riwal operation to be, perfectly fits in our organization. The input of the skilful and experienced Riwal crane drivers is highly valued by Sarens.”

Jaap Schalekamp, Riwal director and co-owner, commented, “Although the farewell to our cranes and employees will be emotional, business-wise it is the best decision. The result is a win-win situation for all parties concerned. Riwal can now fully concentrate on the aerial work platform business.”