Thorns Group buys stock from bankrupt CHS

UK events hire company Thorns Group has acquired the rental stock of its Manchester-based competitor, CHS Catering Equipment and Furniture Hire. CHS went into administration last month.

Thorns said the deal involved tens of thousands of pieces of event equipment, including china, cutlery and glassware, event furniture, and back-of-house kitchen equipment such as ovens, fryers and hot holding cupboards. Thorns, which did not disclose the terms of the deal, has an existing stock of over 1 million items rented from offices in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Thorns Group's sales director Clair Whitecross, said: "The acquisition of furniture and equipment from CHS will significantly increase our stock, while also boosting our depots in Birmingham and London. This extra capacity greatly enhances our ongoing expansion and helps to further reinforce our national presence."

Ms Whitecross added; "Through a focus on outstanding customer service and high-quality stock - but coupled with realistic pricing in a competitive market - Thorns has been able to remain strong during an extremely challenging period for the events sector."

CHS was established in December 2006 following the purchase of JHS Manchester from the Johnson Service Group. Thorns Group is one of the UK's largest independent event rental specialists, with divisions including Thorns Furniture and Catering Hire, Camden Exhibition Services and Classic Technical Services.

The company has also recently established a new business, Thorns Support Services, to provide short-term and long-term contract staff to catering companies, hoteliers, restaurateurs, exhibition organisers and sporting arenas.