Drilling services provider DDH1 has acquired Perth-based Ranger Drilling, adding specialised reverse circulation iron ore drilling services to the group’s capability.
DDH1 plans to continue to grow the Ranger brand, while preserving a culture of leadership, productivity, innovation and safety that has attracted the investment in Ranger, DDH1 chief executive Sy van Dyk said.
Ranger will continue to operate as a separate company, under the same management from the same premises.
The group now consists of three drilling businesses – DDH1 Drilling, Strike Drilling and Ranger Drilling. Their capabilities are highly complementary, providing clients the full suite of drilling services across the resource life cycle, according to a DDH1 statement.
“DDH1 is a natural partner for Ranger to further our growth ambitions by providing additional capital to the business in a cost effective and disciplined manner,” Ranger managing director Matt Izett said.
“I look forward to continue leading and growing the business Julie and I founded in 2005 and to deliver superior drilling solutions to our loyal customer base, whilst contributing at a senior level to the wider group’s operations.”
According to DDH1 managing director Murray Pollock, DDH1 and Ranger have worked together on a shared contact basis, during which the former has observed Ranger’s “premium customer service offering,” the “productivity gains delivered by (its) modern fleet” and “quality management team led by Matt Izett”.
The group now has 84 Tier 1 drill rigs and employs over 700 staff. Matt and Julie Izett will also become significant shareholders in DDH1.