Sterling Crane acquires Freo Group, Global Cranes of Australia

Sterling Crane has announced an agreement for Sterling Crane (Australia) Pty Ltd to acquire Freo Group of Westem Australia and Global Cranes Pty Ltd of Queensland, Australia. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Sterling Crane is a Marmon Construction Services/Berkshire Hathaway company.

Through Sterling Crane and its affiliates, Marmon Construction Services owns and operates mobile crane fleets in Canada, the United States and India, primarily serving the energy, mining and petrochemical markets. Marmon Construction Services is part of The Marmon Group, an international association of manufacturing and service companies that operate independently within 11 diverse, stand-alone business sectors.

Based in Henderson, a suburb of Perth, Freo Group is a second generation family business operating in Australia since 1974. Freo Group provides cranes and operators from branch facilities in key regional markets across Westem Australia and in Queensland through Global Cranes. The companies also offer related logistical services.

"Freo Group and Global Cranes are an excellent fit with our organization as we expand globally," said David Snyder, president of Marmon Construction Services. "We have much in common. Sterling Crane, Freo Group and Global Cranes all have earned reputations for safe, dependable and flexible service at job sites requiring highly engineered lifts and expert operators, often in remote and rugged environments."

Freo Group Managing Director Tony Canci, who will continue in the management of the company, said: ''We are pleased to join an organization that shares our values of reliable, responsible service. Sterling Crane and Marmon have the resources resources and expertise to help our business continue to grow and prosper. We are excited about the future."