Alta Equipment Co has acquired certain assets of Galaxy Lift Inc of Peotone, Illinois from principals Harold Setterbo and TJ Darnall, who remain with the business. Terms of the 30 November transaction were not disclosed.

Galaxy Lift represents the Hyster forklift brand in the market for the southern portion of the Chicago metropolitan area. Previously, Alta Equipment has served this territory from dealership facilities in Itasca and Montgomery, Illinois.

The Hyster operation of Nacco Material Handling Group Inc (NMHG) appointed Alta as its authorised dealer for the Chicago, western Michigan and northern Indiana areas in 2010.

Wixom-based Alta has represented NMHG's Yale brand since 1984 with multiple locations in Michigan. The Peotone sales, service and rental operation adds seven employees to the Alta team and brings the total number of Alta branches to 16.

"Alta's continued growth has been supported by our loyal customers and dedicated employees," says Steven Greenawalt, Alta CEO. "We're excited to welcome Galaxy Lift's associates and diverse customer base to strengthen our position in the Chicago area."

Alta regards the Galaxy acquisition as part of its long-term growth strategy to expand and diversify into new territory and product offerings. Current customers of Galaxy Lift should not experience any disruption of service, according to Alta Equipment.