BLACKROD-based construction services group Allen has made another acquisition.

It has used Speedy Hire Centres (Northern) Ltd to acquire the assets of New Mills Tool Hire Company Ltd for £200,000 in cash. This takes the outlets trading under the Speedy banner to 195.

Mr Ken Fox, the Chief Executive of Allen, said: "Since our exit from housebuilding in August we have been focused on rapidly extending the Hire Services Division.

"We are pleased to announce yet another acquisition and continue to set more ambitious targets for this highly profitable area of the group."