Hesco Bastion deal sees new ownership

Hesco, which was founded by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Jimi Heselden, is best known for protecting soldiers in war zones.

The business makes tough barriers which have replaced sandbags as the most effective protection for soldiers.

Camp Bastion in Afghanistan was named after the city-based firm.

Mr Heselden died in September 2010 following an accident near his home at Thorp Arch, Wetherby.

Hesco specialises in producing and delivering rapidly deployable perimeter protection, safe haven bunkers and ballistic resistant body armour for the defence, energy and law enforcement sectors, supplying clients including the US Army.

Hesco has been a long term partner of Betafence and, following this transaction, will operate as a stand-alone subsidiary of Betafence, led by its current chief executive Michael Hughes.

Mr Hughes said that the acquisition was a positive move for Hesco’s 92 Leeds-based staff because it gave them the opportunity to become part of a complementary global business.

Mr Hughes said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Hesco. Our partnership with Betafence will enable us to accelerate Hesco’s development and we will immediately add significant value to Betafence’s provision of solutions for high security perimeter protection around the world.”

Mr Heselden’s widow Julie added: “We are all immensely proud of the success of Hesco and the lasting legacy that has been forged in Jimi’s name. We feel this deal is something Jimi would have been happy with.”