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Blackpool haulier Fox Brothers has acquired a North West plant hire firm in a multi-million pound, "ground-breaking" deal.

The firm has completed the deal for Leyland-based Clive Hurt Plant Hire in a move said to create a combined business with an annual turnover of £50m, employing 320 people.

Paul Fox, Group MD of Fox Brothers, haulier of aggregates and recycled materials, said the acquisition will be a catalyst for future growth and create "significant opportunities" to compete for larger projects in terms of scale, scope and complexity, as well as expanding the group’s geographical coverage.

The 150-strong fleet of wagons will make the firm the largest in the region, with the fleet of plant and machinery standing at around 400 machines.

A statement from Fox Brothers announcing the news on Tuesday said the two companies will continue their day-to-day operations under their existing brands.

Mr Fox said: “This acquisition is an incredible opportunity to unlock the potential of both businesses. Even before this deal we were considered leaders in our respective fields, now, it will create further opportunities for the two firms to take advantage of. We both have strong skillsets that can be brought together very effectively.

“We will be one of the main providers of earthworks and aggregates transport in the North West and we will be able to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ solution for housebuilders, infrastructure, construction and civils contractors. We will also have the capability to tackle larger and more complex engineering projects.

“Fox is a data-driven business with fleet optimisation at the core of our operations. There is significant growth potential for the Group by improving efficiencies across the whole fleet.”

As part of the deal, the Fox Brothers' property firm will buy Clive Hurt's Sandham House depot.