With effect from 1st July 2011, Merlo UK Ltd has become a full subsidiary of the Merlo Group, the widely respected Italian telehandler manufacturer.
Joint founder of Merlo UK, John Iles, has retired as Managing Director and his shares have been amicably acquired by the Merlo Group.  To make the transition as seamless and easy as possible, John will now act as Deputy Chairman of the Board and his expertise and experience will continue to be available to the company in a new role as Non-Executive Director.
Merlo UK’s new General Manager, Maurizio Ganio-Mego, comments;
“John and his team have set a tremendous foundation for the Merlo product in the UK.  Without their experience and local knowledge, it would have been much more difficult to successfully penetrate the market here.  John is, quite literally an icon of the rough terrain truck market in the UK and we are delighted to retain his experience”
“The Merlo Group plans considerable expansion of its UK business and this move opens the possibility for more investment in order to achieve the longer-term aim of the Group.”
With existing subsidiaries in France, Spain and Australia, and a joint venture in Germany, the Merlo Group clearly believes in a ‘hands-on’ approach, designed to bring the manufacturer even closer to the market place.  The Group trusts that dealers and end users will see this as a very positive step for the future, indicating the faith and commitment Merlo Group has in the UK market.