LOCAL company Prolift Access, which specialises in powered access platforms, has been taken over by Merseyside equipment hire firm Speedy.

Prolift, based at Westpark, Chelston, supplies cherry pickers, scissor lifts, boom lifts and other powered access aerial platforms for hire.

The business, which has a fleet of about 700 access platforms and employs 72 staff, also has depots in St Austell, Ringwood and Bristol, and also provides qualified operators and training for clients. It made pre-tax earnings last year of £2.3 million.

Owner Andy Pearson said: “This is a great opportunity for the business to grow as part of a larger group.

“We enjoyed working with Sean Grinstead and the team at PKF Francis Clark – which advised on the sale – as they delivered what we needed within a relatively tight timescale.

Speedy chief executive Russell Down said: “Prolift Access will strengthen our powered access offering and allow us to better serve our customers. I warmly welcome Prolift Access employees to Speedy.”