The Harrogate-based business has bought Underground Safety Services (USS) and Pipe Testing Accessories (PTA), both providers of services to the construction and civil engineering markets in the Republic of Ireland, and West Yorkshire-based Able Safety, a supplier of safety equipment and services.

The group acquired USS and PTA through its Vp Equipment Rental (Ireland) subsidiary for a combined €800,000 (£573,000). Of this sum, €120,000 is deferred depending on the acquired companies’ performances in the 19 months following completion.

USS and PTA are based in Tullamore, and will be integrated into Vp’s Groundforce division, which offers similar services in the UK.

Able Safety was acquired by Vp’s tool hire business, Hire Station, for £750,000 in cash and will be integrated into its safety rental business, ESS Safeforce.

USS and PTA’s combined revenues in the year to February were €600,000, while Able reported a turnover of £500,000 in the year to September 2006.

Vp, formerly Vibroplant, was established in 1954 and has been trading on the London Stock Exchange since 1973. It has developed from a plant hire company into a service-based group providing equipment and associated services.

The group operates through six divisions: Groundforce, UK Forks, Airpac Bukom Oilfield Services, Hire Station, Torrent Trackside and TPA.