A YORK firm which makes portable buildings has today announced it has bought a German manufacturing and distributing company.

Portakabin Ltd, which is part of the Shepherd Group, has sealed the acquisition of Oecon Mobilraum GmbH and its subsidiaries in a deal which the Huntington company said would be a key part of its European expansion plans.

Oecon builds modular buildings in Germany for the construction industry and other sectors. Portakabin said it would complement its existing operations in France, Belgium and Holland and allow its buildings to be marketed within the office, healthcare and education sectors.

"Our plans for the future include further investment in the hire fleet, new market sectors and additional hire centres within Germany," said Portakabin Group chief executive Derek Carter.

"The addition of Oecon to our French, Belgian and Dutch businesses expand our European footprint and capability considerably, and provide Oecon with the opportunity to grow within the German market and in new market sectors."

Oecon's managing director Joachim Full said: “We are very pleased to be part of Europe’s leading modular business, Portakabin. 

"The financial strength and private ownership of the Portakabin Group ensures long-term investment and security for Oecon and its employees, and was key in our decision to sell to Portakabin.  We look forward to working with Portakabin as we expand Oecon and the influence of Portakabin within the German modular market."