PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Bhd has diversified into industrial rental equipment with the acquisition of Australian-based Salmon Earthmoving Holdings Pty Ltd that provides rental and maintenance services to the civil construction, agricultural and mining sectors.

       In a statement yesterday, Sime Darby said it expected the transaction to complete by August, subject to approval from the foreign investment review board of Australia.

       “The transaction provides a rare opportunity for Sime Darby to acquire an established company with more than 70 years of know-how.

       “We believe Salmon Australia will complement and strengthen our industrial division’s presence in the Australian market, ” said Sime Darby CEO Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson.