1st December 2021

Acquisition of tree surgery firm saves 210 jobs

One of the UK’s leading tree surgery companies has been acquired from administration in a deal that has saved the jobs of all 210 staff.

Acquisition of tree surgery firm saves 210 jobs

Hi-Line Contractors S.W. Ltd, which had offices in Exeter, Bristol, Cornwall, and London, has been acquired by RSK Group Ltd. Ben Barrett and John Carpenter of Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery acted as administrators to Hi-Line.

Established in 1998 by Managing Director Hugh Griffiths as a tree cutting company, HI-Line provides a full range of commercial and domestic professional tree surgery and arboricultural services. The day-to-day business will continue unchanged operating under the name of RSK Hi-Line Limited.

John Carpenter said: “Hi-Line is an established business that encountered cashflow problems as a result of non-payment for a major contract. Following a period of marketing we received a number of offers for the business. The sale to RSK represents a successful outcome for all concerned, securing the future of the business and the jobs of its employees.”

Hi-Line will complement RSK’s existing tree cutting business, bts, bringing substantial additional coverage in the south and southwest of England.

Alan Ryder, RSK founder and CEO commented: “I am pleased to welcome Hi-Line and their 210-strong workforce into the group. RSK has been strategically building our technical service capabilities for several years as we want to be able to provide our clients with complete solutions throughout the entire lifespan of their projects. Tree surgery is a great example of this strategy in practice. Hi-Line is a very well-placed business, ripe for future growth.”

Hugh Griffiths will continue as Hi-Line’s Managing Director, supported by the existing management team. Hugh added, “Joining forces with RSK is a great outcome for Hi-Line and our employees.”

Hi-Line will become part of RSK’s Agriculture, Land and Property Management division under the direction of Ian Strudwick, Divisional Director. Ian commented: “I am really excited to have Hugh and the whole team at Hi-Line join forces with RSK.  Hi-Line has fantastic relationships with several key clients, no doubt because of the excellent service they have provided for many years. By joining RSK, the business will have the ability to grow far more than they would have had alone.”