Haulotte Group Aquires Bil-Jax

Aug. 1, 2008 – Consolidation
of the aerial industry took a major step this week with the acquisition
of Bil-Jax Inc. by the Haulotte Group, through its U.S. subsidiary.

“This
acquisition will assist us in further developing our business,” said
Alexandre Saubot, Haulotte Group’s chief operating officer. “This will
allow us to strengthen our worldwide position, increase our product
offerings, and establish a manufacturing presence in North America.”

“We
have taken the next natural step of growth and together can offer an
increasingly exciting set of access solutions for consumers, while
becoming better positioned to compete in the access market,” said Jeff
Ott, CEO of Bil-Jax. “We believe this alliance with Haulotte Group will
deliver superior value, better choices, and more innovation to our
customers and industry partners. Additionally, it will increase product
offerings and create a position outside of the U.S.”

In a statement, Haulotte said synergies will be focused in four main areas:
•
Scale economics driven by Haulotte’s strong market position for aerial
work platforms and Bil-Jax’s 60-year history as a leader in North
America for scaffolding and niche aerial work platforms;
• Integration of engineering talent and resources to accelerate innovation and product development;
• Streamlining operations through increased purchasing power and elimination of redundant costs;
• Providing a complete access solution for customers in product and support areas.

Both
companies are currently developing a comprehensive plan focusing on the
integration of the combined business. Haulotte Group said it expects
the integration to be completed at the end of 2008.

Haulotte
is widely viewed as the third-largest international player in aerial
work platforms behind JLG Industries and Genie Industries. Bil-Jax is
one of the world’s leading manufacturers of interior and exterior
scaffolding and also makes a variety of aerial work platforms as well
as event seating and staging.