Perth-based forklift distributor and dealer United Equipment plans to open branches in all Australian states.

United, formed through the merger of WA Fork Trucks, NT Fork Trucks, WAGMAC and WA Access Equipment, began trading on September 1. The company is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia (Forkliftaction.com News #227).

The merger and rebranding followed AMP Capital Investors acquiring a majority shareholding in WA Fork Trucks. Greg Smith, AMP Capital Investors' head of private equity, said in a statement: "The group is now greater than the sum of its original parts and we are gearing up to consolidate its new Australia-wide presence."

WA Fork Trucks founder Laurie Puddy now heads United as executive chairman.

"The challenge is to leverage our west coast expertise in the newly acquired east coast operation, extract synergies from across the business and boost market share," Puddy said.

The company, which has branches in three Australian states and one territory - Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory - handles sales, service, rentals and finance (where needed) of its product range.

United will sell a full range of Nissan forklifts, SMV container handlers and reach stackers, Merlo telehandlers and a range of aerial work platforms.