Belle in merger talks with the Altrad Group

Compaction and concrete equipment specialist Belle Group and the Altrad Group are considering a merger.

Altrad has its headquarters in Montpellier, France, and specialise in the manufacture and sales of scaffolding, wheel barrows and cement mixers while Staffordshire-based Belle produces compaction, concrete finishing and cutting equipment, cement mixers, mini dumpers, power packs and breakers.

The deal would allow the merged company to offer customers a broader range of products and could allow faster product development.

Belle’s managing director Ray Neilson said: “The proposed merger will assist in fulfilling customer expectations and enable the company to continue to develop.” Ron Blackhurst, Belle’s chairman and majority shareholder said: “This will be positive for the employees based at the factories in the UK and Poland and offices around the world.”

Both management teams remain in place and the merger is likely to be completed during the first quarter of 2009.