RFB expands container hire business

2 August 2023

Foresight Group, a private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has invested £2 million into RFB Containers Ltd to support its acquisition of Forth Containers Ltd as it aims to become a leading container hire, sales and self-storage provider serving Scotland. 

Led by MD Angus Barraclough, RFB has experienced double-digit growth in revenue and profits since Foresight’s initial £2.4 million investment in February 2021, reported on the blog at the time. 

Based in Bathgate, Forth Containers operates a similar business model to RFB and its joint owners, Ross Watt and Graeme Sherry, have invested in the hire fleet and operational infrastructure in recent years to drive growth. 

The acquisition by RFB will create a combined group with a hire fleet of over 2,000 containers. The re-branded Bathgate branch will be led by Ross Watt, who is continuing in his role as part of the transaction.  

Angus Barraclough, Managing Director at RFB, said: “Ross and Graeme have built a great business with Forth Containers and the acquisition felt like a natural fit for our growth plans. The addition of the Bathgate site will allow us to provide a better service to customers across Scotland, and Ross is well respected in the industry and will be an excellent addition to RFB’s senior team.” 

Ross Watt added: “I am delighted by this acquisition. Forth Containers started as a modest business and, through the loyalty and dedication of its employees, has grown into a prosperous business. I was impressed with Angus and the RFB team’s professional approach and I look forward to being part of the growth plans to expand market share across Scotland.” 

Angus Barraclough is pictured, right, with Ross Watt. 

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