VCS reaches agreement to acquire Primo Specialist Vehicle Conversions Company

VCS, the UK’s leading manufacturer of emergency services vehicles, has reached an agreement with Ireland-based Primo Specialist Vehicle Conversions to acquire 100% of its share capital.

The acquisition adds an important new dimension to VCS’s offering, allowing it to introduce its range of innovative lightweight and zero emissions accident and emergency vehicles to the Irish and European markets. Trading under Primo Coachworks, it also plans to utilise the exceptional pool of skilled workers within and local to the business, to develop a greater design and manufacturing presence in Ireland.

Mark Kerrigan, Managing Director of VCS, said: “Having the opportunity to bring our latest range of innovative products to Ireland is hugely exciting. VCS is at the forefront of technical advancement in emergency vehicle manufacturing and, coupled with the technical pedigree within our group, I am confident we have something unique to offer the emergency services sector in Ireland.”

VCS is part of the Woodall Nicholson Group, which is comprised of industry-leading specialist vehicle companies in the blue light, public transport and ceremonial vehicle sectors.

Ted Dunican, Managing Director of PRIMO Coachworks, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to develop our company by becoming part of the VCS brand within the Woodall Nicholson Group. My role as Managing Director at PRIMO continues and we will still to operate from our current facility in Ferbane, Co Offaly.

“This exciting opportunity adds new capabilities in vehicle design, engineering, and development, particularly in lightweight and sustainable specialist vehicles.
In turn, this provides PRIMO with immediate access to low floor and zero-emissions vehicle platforms developed to the highest quality standards by VCS.
“PRIMO’s existing customer base will not only benefit from the continued support we pride ourselves on but it also gains access to both VCS’s applied technology and wider product portfolio of the Woodall Nicholson Group.”

Frank Barrett, CEO of Woodall Nicholson Group, said: “The co-operation of these two companies has the potential to create something very exciting. The engineering and quality attributes of the VCS team coupled with the efficient and responsive customer service at Primo offers a wider customer base something new and refreshing. I believe the specialist vehicle market requires consistent action in normal times; however, the changing agenda to focus on zero emissions, cost appropriate, lightweight and advanced technology requires innovative action. I am looking forward to collaborating with both teams.”

Further announcements on the closing of the deal will be announced in the near future, subject to the satisfactory completion of customary due diligence.