Kier buys McNicholas

UK-based Kier has completed the acquisition of infrastructure services provider McNicholas, which it said would strengthen its positions in the utilities and infrastructure services sectors.

UK-based Kier has completed the acquisition of infrastructure services provider McNicholas, which it said would strengthen its positions in the utilities and infrastructure services sectors.

McNicholas, also a UK-based company, is an engineering services provider to the UK’s multi-utility sectors including telecommunications, gas, power, water, renewable energy and rail.

Working across the UK and with headquarters in Elstree, Hertfordshire, it employs 1,880 people and has a client base which includes Virgin Media, Network Rail and UK Power Networks.

Haydn Mursell, chief executive of Kier, said, “The acquisition of McNicholas builds on Kier’s strategy to accelerate growth and hold leading positions in its chosen markets.

“It is a highly complementary addition to our utility services business and enhances our presence in the power, rail and telecoms markets, with its long-standing client relationships.”

He said that McNicholas chief executive Barry McNicholas and his team would move to Kier “to continue the growth and development of the business”.

Barry McNicholas said, “Our business has been servicing the rapidly growing telecommunications industry for over 50 years, and our expertise and knowledge has given us leading positions in new sectors such as gas, power, rail and civil engineering.

“We are excited by the opportunities that joining a larger group gives our teams to expand and grow. It also provides our clients access to a broader range of capabilities.”