London, 3 December 2024 – HB RTS, a logistics solutions provider and specialist in the rental and pooling of reusable load carriers, is pleased to announce the acquisition of TPS Rental Systems Ltd (“TPS”). This strategic acquisition strengthens HB RTS’s position as the European market leader in sustainable logistics solutions for a range of industries.
Expansion of the European Network and Offering
Backed by Arcus Infrastructure Partners, HB RTS has become an established player across Europe in the pooling, rental, transport, storage and cleaning of crates, pallets, boxes and rolling load carriers. The company offers comprehensive reverse logistics solutions for clients throughout Europe, with a pool of some six million load carriers rented and pooled for customers across the food and horticulture industries. HB RTS has built its leadership position through significant investments across its load carrier asset pool, longstanding and service-oriented relationships with its diversified customer base, tailored reverse logistics solutions, and an extensive network of washing locations with certain sites operating as return centers for major retailers.
TPS Rental Systems is a key player in the rental of intermediate bulk tanks, including both stainless steel and bag-in-box containers, and the sale of accompanying liner bags and customization accessories. This combination of bag-in-box containers and the production of liners gives TPS a unique and embedded role in the supply chain for its valued customers, which are primarily active in the production of food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in Europe. TPS has a strong presence in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, complementing HB RTS’s established market positions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
A Strong European Platform with Unique Solutions
The merger of HB RTS and TPS creates a robust European platform with an extensive range of load carriers and services. With this acquisition, HB RTS can offer a one-stop-shop solution for load carriers, providing essential supply chain infrastructure to European food producers, wholesalers, retailers and other key end markets. Throughout the value chain, clients can rely on sustainable and tailored rental and pooling solutions from HB RTS.
This strategic step highlights HB RTS’s continued commitment to developing efficient and cost-effective solutions for its diverse customer base. The complementary market positions of both companies will allow HB RTS to better support its clients in addressing their logistics challenges throughout Europe.
Eric Schrover, CEO HB RTS: “We are thrilled about the acquisition of TPS. With its unique position in the European supply chain, TPS is a perfect match for us. Together, we are creating a comprehensive platform for pooling and rental of load carriers for companies across Europe. With this platform, we enable our customers to make their supply chains even more sustainable and efficient, supporting our commitment to driving the transition from single-use to reusable transport packaging. We have been impressed throughout the acquisition process with the quality of the TPS team and the exceptional position the company has created with its longstanding customer base. We are looking forward to working with the TPS team to unlock the benefits of our complementary offerings and networks in the market.”
Ian Camwell, CEO TPS Rental Systems: “I am delighted to be part of this merger with HB-RTS and at the same time, excited about the opportunities it will bring to both businesses. The synergy between the two businesses will not only bring benefits to those within the organisation, but also our customers will benefit enormously from the increased product offering, and substantial new investments, we are now able to provide.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Jordan Cott, Partner at Arcus Infrastructure Partners said: “TPS is a strategically important acquisition for HB RTS and it is highly complementary to our existing business, significantly enhancing platform value by accelerating expansion into the pre-production side of the food value chain and immediately bringing HB RTS into several new countries in Europe. It also adds meaningful exposure to the attractive segment of IBC rental solutions, which we see as providing further long-term growth opportunities for the group. This is another excellent example of how Arcus works closely with its management teams to drive strategic M&A as a lever to create long-term value in its portfolio companies.”
Through this acquisition, HB RTS and TPS strengthen their shared mission: to provide innovative, sustainable, and customer-focused solutions within the logistics sector.
Note to Editors
About Arcus Infrastructure Partners
Arcus Infrastructure Partners is an independent fund manager focused solely on long-term investments in European infrastructure. Arcus invests on behalf of institutional investors through discretionary funds and specialist co-investment vehicles and, through its subsidiaries, currently manages investments with an aggregate c. €24bn (as of 30 June 2024). Arcus targets mid-market, value-add infrastructure investments, with a particular focus on businesses in the digital, transport, logistics & industrials, and energy sectors.
