ACT Supports Trailers Acquisition

MDF Engineering of Ireland in September acquired Antrim-based SDC Trailers from Powerscreen International for GBP7.25 million (ecu 10.3 million). ACT Venture Capital invested GBP1.5 million to support the acquisition, which forms an integrated trailer manufacturing group.

SDC is the largest truck trailer manufacturer in Ireland, with a 60% share of its domestic market, and ranks fifth in the UK, where it commands a 10% market share. MDF Engineering, also based in Antrim and controlled by the Donnelly family, is one of SDC’s largest suppliers of steel fabrications.

The acquisition was effected via Retlan, a holding company established by ACT and MDF Engineering for the purpose and headed by group managing director John Donnelly. The enlarged group will have an annual turnover of GBP50 million and approximately 320 employees.

ACT director Owen Murphy said “The formation of the integrated trailer group, combining the leadership and experience of John Donnelly and his senior management team with the strong industrial skills within SDC, will enable the enlarged group to continue to grow market share throughout Europe”.