KIS BV acquires LIFTAL
Effective 8 July 2025, KIS BV has acquired LIFTAL Vlissingen-Oost and LIFTAL Rotterdam. Through this acquisition, LIFTAL becomes part of a larger organization that established its presence in the Netherlands in 2018 by acquiring comparable business units.
KIS BV is part of the Norway-based KIS Group. This transaction represents a strategic expansion for KIS BV within the Dutch market. Following the addition of LIFTAL, the KIS Group now employs over 500 professionals. In the Netherlands, KIS operates branches in Hengelo, Joure, Zwolle, Chemelot, Nederweert, and Rotterdam. Its core activities are organized around various pillars: comprehensive lifting and hoisting solutions, preventive maintenance and repairs based on the KIS AGREEMENT, annual inspections, crane construction, and specialist within CNC & machining technology maintenance and retrofit. These are all underpinned by a strong focus on service, complemented by the supply of a wide range of lifting and hoisting equipment.
The acquisition offers LIFTAL substantial opportunities for further growth and enhanced employee development. Established over 27 years ago, LIFTAL initially focused on the Zeeland delta region, quickly expanding into Belgium’s Terneuzen-Ghent canal zone and the North Sea port areas. Today, it provides daily service and supply solutions to a diverse European clientele.
Under the “EKH” certification, LIFTAL delivers specialized lifting and hoisting services, ranging from shackles to overhead cranes. The company also tests lifting equipment for explosive environments under the “IECEX ATEX” certification. Additionally, its status as a “Recognized proving establishment” by Lloyd’s facilitates daily testing of anchors, chains, and various maritime applications.
Both management teams have expressed satisfaction with the transaction. Baard Hermansen, Head of International at KIS Group, commented:
With this transaction KIS expands it’s footprint in the Netherlands and sees LIFTAL as a strong addition to further strengthen the KIS service concept and to enable us to give “The best customer experience». We are thrilled to welcome Liftal into the KIS family, bringing highly competent employees, long and solid history and being a well known player in the market.
Hans Hirdes, Manager at LIFTAL, added:
“Since integrating what is now LIFTAL Rotterdam, our company has experienced significant growth. We anticipate substantial synergy effects across our services and operations, similar to the benefits realized when we expanded our testing capabilities to 1,800 tons. This collaboration within the KIS Group – and beyond – opens up extensive opportunities for our employees, creating interesting career prospects. KIS also holds a strong reputation for employee training and engagement.”
