KKR, the equity firm founded by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, is using WPP’s RLM Finsbury in its $1B takeover of The Crosby Group and Acco Material Handling Solutions from Melrose Industries. 

Tulsa-based Crosby, which launched in 1885, provides engineered equipment to the oil & gas, mining and construction sectors. It employs 1,300. 

York, Pa.-based Acco makes specialized handling gear like industrial cranes, hoists, trailers and monorails. It has 130 workers. 

Pete Stavros, head of KKR’s industrials group, said both companies produce high-quality goods from dedicated work forces and are poised for international expansion. 

The deals are expected to close by the end of the year. 

RLM’s Nina Suter and Michael Turner are handling the acquisition. 

KKR has more than $83B in assets under management. It began in 1976.