Hellaby Holdings has today announced a conditional agreement to sell its equipment group to private equity fund, Maui Capital Aqua Fund, for $81 million.

The sale is expected to realise a capital gain on book value of around $30 million, after costs and working capital adjustments.

Proceeds from the sale of the Equipment Group will be earmarked for further investment into Hellaby’s core automotive and resource services Groups, after initially being used to reduce debt.

Managing director and CEO of Hellaby Holdings, Alan Clarke, said: “The Equipment Group is New Zealand’s leading heavy equipment sales, servicing and forklift rental business. It has a long record of delivering value and it represents a number of high profile brands.

“The Board has been working through a comprehensive strategic analysis of Hellaby’s business model since late last year. Midway through this, an unsolicited approach was received from Maui Capital, and after careful consideration the Board has determined that the terms of the offer would crystallise considerable value for Hellaby’s shareholders.

“In addition, we were satisfied that our staff, clients and suppliers would be in safe and capable hands going forward, with an owner who has significant expertise and is committed to taking the Equipment Group to the next stage.”

Settlement is expected to take place over the next few months once all transaction conditions, including the purchaser obtaining appropriate funding, have been met.

With the sale of the Equipment Group, Hellaby has identified automotive and resource services as its core business Groups.

Footwear is considered non-core and will be divested ‘at an appropriate time.’

“We are now transitioning to a long term committed business owner with a focus on the automotive and resource services sectors, where we have identified attractive organic and acquisition growth prospects in large scalable markets.

“We believe that together, these two groups have the potential to deliver over $1 billion in revenue with attractive profits in five years’ time and Hellaby is well positioned to realise this ambition.

“We are well resourced to fund future growth opportunities, as well as continue to pay steady and growing annual dividends that will enhance medium-to-long term shareholder value.”