Mammoet has acquired ALE Heavy Lift, reinforcing its position as the world leader in heavy lift and heavy transport solutions.

The companies did not disclose details of the agreement yet. Mammoet has stated that “no further details will be given until after the closing of the transaction”, which is subject to regulatory approval.

If all the relevant competition authorities give Mammoet the green light, the deal will strengthen Mammoet’s position as the world leader with almost double the lift capacity as Belgian runner-up Sarens.

According to IC 50, which ranks crane operators based on the total maximum load moment rating measured in tonne-metres, Mammoet is already the largest crane company, with a lift capacity of 2,850,000 tonne-metres, and has been for the past 20 years. In recent years, however, runner-up Sarens has massively reduced the gap between the companies and now follows Mammoet hot on the heels with a fleet totalling 2,771,436 tonne-metres. But with the acquisition of ALE, which ranks third in the IC 50, Mammoet adds another 2,295,623 tonne-metres to its fleet, firmly cementing its position as the global number one crane operator for many years to come.

Paul van Gelder, CEO of Mammoet, says he is very happy with the deal. “Mammoet and ALE complement each other in geographical presence on all continents. Together, we have a well-balanced portfolio of activities worldwide. This enables us to improve our service proposition and create synergies, as we are able to mobilize equipment and personnel swiftly anywhere. Last but not least, Mammoet and ALE both have a strong legacy in innovations which, once combined, will enable us to grow as a technologically leading player,” he says.

Mark Harries, Group Managing Director of ALE added: “Mammoet and ALE share a strong ambition to be leading in the engineered heavy lifting and transport sector. Both companies have a strong track record and are renowned for their craftsmanship, innovations and fleet of equipment. We both have shaped the profession of heavy lifting and transport through numerous innovations in the past decades. The prospect of the two companies joining forces is very exciting.”