July 13, 2009 – Manitex International, Inc., Bridgeview, Ill., has acquired Badger Equipment Company, a Winona, Minn.-based manufacturer of specialized rough-terrain cranes and material handling products from Avis Industrial for $3 million. Badger, which commenced operations in 1945, manufactures specialized earthmoving, railroad and material handling equipment, parts and ancillary products under several brand names, including Badger and Little Giant.

Earlier this year, Badger had announced plans to introduce a new line of specialized RT cranes, including a 30-ton model, and expected shipments to begin in the second half of this year. With this addition to a product line which includes boom truck cranes, RT forklifts and special mission-oriented vehicles primarily serving the construction, municipality, and railroad industries, Manitex anticipates that the Badger-planned RT-crane launch will remain on schedule, with initial shipments expected this current quarter.

“We are excited to add another niche product line to the Manitex family,” said David J. Langevin, Manitex chairman and CEO. “The acquisition of Badger’s specialized product lines will expand our market opportunities, through offering new product lines to our current dealers, and expanding our dealership network.” Langevin said the company is particularly excited about the opportunity to introduce the new 30-ton RT. He said Manitex “anticipates moderate revenue and cash flow contributions in the second half of this year from Badger, with more substantial impact occurring in following years, primarily driven by the strength of this new product’s launch.”