DWS Invests in Flannery Plant Hire to Support Next Stage of Infrastructure Growth

Flannery Plant Hire is set to accelerate its expansion after welcoming global asset manager DWS as a strategic investor in the business, marking a significant milestone in the company's 54-year history.

The agreement sees DWS acquire a stake in one of the UK's leading operated plant hire specialists, while the Flannery family retains a substantial ownership position. Patrick Flannery and Martin Flannery will continue to lead the company as joint Chief Executive Officers, ensuring continuity as the business embarks on its next phase of growth.

The investment is expected to strengthen Flannery's ability to support some of the UK's largest infrastructure programmes, with demand continuing to grow across transport, utilities and energy projects.

Today, Flannery operates the UK's largest fleet of operated heavy construction equipment, combining specialist machinery with highly skilled operators to deliver services for Tier One contractors nationwide. Its fleet of approximately 7,900 machines is supported by a network of 16 depots across the UK and Ireland, enabling the company to play a key role in major infrastructure delivery.

The business has built a strong reputation supporting nationally significant transport schemes, alongside major investment programmes in the water and electricity sectors, where long-term capital investment continues to gather pace.

For DWS, the acquisition represents a strategic investment in an established infrastructure partner operating at the heart of the UK's construction supply chain.

Hamish Mackenzie, Global Head of Infrastructure at DWS, said the investment reflected the firm's focus on high-quality infrastructure businesses with strong long-term growth prospects.

He highlighted the increasing demand for investment across transport, utilities and energy infrastructure, driven by the UK's transition to cleaner energy systems, growing digital

connectivity requirements and the need to improve the resilience of critical national infrastructure.

Mackenzie also praised Flannery's leadership team, recognising the business they have built over the past two decades and expressing confidence that the partnership would help strengthen the company's position while continuing to deliver exceptional service to major infrastructure clients.

For Flannery, the investment provides more than additional capital—it brings a long-term partner aligned with the company's ambitions for sustainable growth.

Patrick Flannery Junior, Co-CEO of Flannery Plant Hire, said the company had spent more than five decades building a trusted business founded on quality, innovation and customer service.

"As we looked ahead to the next chapter, it was essential to find the right partner—one that shares our values, understands our long-term vision, and can provide the capital, expertise, and support required to accelerate future growth," he said.

"By partnering with DWS, we are demonstrating our continued confidence in the business and our commitment to supporting its long-term success for many years to come."

The transaction signals growing investor confidence in the UK's infrastructure sector, with businesses supporting major construction, energy and utility programmes continuing to attract significant institutional investment. As government and industry commit to long-term infrastructure delivery, partnerships such as this are expected to play an increasingly important role in providing the capacity, skills and equipment needed to deliver projects across the country.