#H.I.G. Capital #London #United Kingdom #Safety Equipment #Arco Limited

H.I.G. Capital Acquires Arco Limited: A New Era in Safety Equipment Distribution

On September 30, 2026, H.I.G. Capital, a premier global alternative investment firm managing assets worth $75 billion, announced the successful acquisition of Arco Limited. Renowned as a leading UK distributor of safety equipment, Arco has established itself over the past 140 years as a critical partner for various sectors including infrastructure, defense, utilities, and healthcare.

Founded in 1884, Arco has built a strong national customer base through its exceptional product offerings and long-standing partnerships. With a focus on safety, the company provides protective clothing, safety equipment, and on-site safety services, addressing the stringent needs of enterprise clients while maintaining robust brand loyalty.

A Strategic Move for Growth

The acquisition aligns perfectly with H.I.G. Capital's vision to support and expand high-quality businesses. By broadening Arco’s product and service range and investing in its digital capabilities, H.I.G. aims to enhance customer support and drive growth within the safety sector. The goal is to pursue strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses both within the UK and internationally, ensuring Arco remains at the forefront of safety innovations.

Guy Bruce, CEO of Arco, expressed enthusiasm about this new phase, stating, "We are excited to welcome H.I.G. as our new investment partner. For over a century, Arco has built its reputation by working closely with clients to deliver high-quality products and services that protect their employees' health and safety. H.I.G. shares our ambitions and brings a wealth of experience to help us grow both in the UK and globally. We look forward to working together to invest in our people, expand our offerings, and uphold the high standards our customers expect."

A Promising Future Ahead

Adam Taylor, Managing Director at H.I.G. Capital in London, highlighted that Arco has firmly established itself as a leading specialist in safety apparel and protective gear, supported by valuable relationships with esteemed clients. The potential for collaboration is immense, as H.I.G. looks to leverage its operational resources and international network to support Arco in its next growth phase. "We are eager to partner with the Arco team and support their customers with leading products and services," stated Taylor.

About Arco

Headquartered in Hull, Arco is a specialist distributor of safety equipment in the UK, providing a wide range of safety clothing, protective gear, and associated services primarily to prominent national clients. Arco plays a vital role in ensuring workplace safety across various industries, integrating deep safety expertise with customer service excellence.

About H.I.G. Capital

Established in 1993, H.I.G. Capital is a leading global investment firm that specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle-market companies. With offices in major cities across the United States and internationally, H.I.G. focuses on high-growth businesses and engages in a myriad of investment strategies including management buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs. The firm is dedicated to leveraging its resources to add value to portfolio companies, having successfully invested in over 400 businesses worldwide.

As H.I.G. and Arco embark on this strategic partnership, the integration of their expertise is expected to enhance customer offerings dramatically, paving the way for future innovations in safety equipment distribution.

For more information about Arco, visit arco.co.uk and for H.I.G. Capital, visit hig.com.