Leeds protective solutions provider Hesco acquired by Betafence

Leeds-headquartered Hesco has been acquired by perimeter security specialist Betafence, for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition underpins an acceleration of Betafence’s high security growth strategy, building on the recent acquisition of SecureUSA and of intellectual property rights from Gibraltar US.

Recognised internationally, Hesco specialises in producing and delivering rapidly deployable perimeter protection, safe haven bunkers and ballistic resistant body armor for the defense, energy and law enforcement sectors.

Hesco’s clients include the U.S. Army; United Arab Emirates Land Forces; United Nations, and U.K. Ministry of Defense.

Hesco has been an established partner of Betafence for several years and, following this transaction, will operate as a stand-alone subsidiary of Betafence, led by CEO Michael Hughes.

The acquisition also gives Hesco the opportunity to become part of a global business.

Betafence’s presence in the UK and Yorkshire will now be strengthened while marketing the Hesco brand to a wider audience. Betafence is headquartered in Belgium with nine production sites across eight countries, employing over 1,400 global staff.

Michael Hughes, CEO of Hesco, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Hesco. Our partnership with Betafence will enable us to accelerate Hesco’s development and we will immediately add significant value to Betafence’s provision of solutions for High Security perimeter protection around the world.

“There are numerous opportunities for collaboration for our key markets and we believe that being part of the Betafence Group will help ensure continued future success for our employees, customers and suppliers.

“I will remain at Hesco in my role as CEO, running the business as a stand-alone subsidiary and being firmly focused on our ethos of protecting people and assets. It’s business as usual, there is no disruption to the operation of Hesco and we are committed to maintaining our presence in Leeds.”

Michele Volpi, CEO of Betafence, added: “We are delighted to acquire such a renowned business as Hesco. Today’s deal underpins Betafence’s accelerated international growth strategy to provide global protection solutions to secure assets and protect people. Hesco has an excellent track record with international customers in the Defense, Oil & Gas and Energy sectors, particularly in the US and the Middle East.

“Both Betafence and Hesco are dynamic players in a market facing a growing global need for comprehensive security solutions for critical assets. There is a significant opportunity for Betafence to address this demand and strengthen our position across the global High Security market, both organically and through further acquisition.”

Local legal advisors involved with the transaction were Richard Moran and Rachel Dean of Clarion Solicitors for the Heselden family and Alison Starr from Eversheds for Betafence; assisted by in-house counsel Charlotte Callens of Betafence and Andrew Taylor of Hesco.