Acquisition saves 28 jobs at Salford firm

Irlam-based demolition, earthworks, remediation and civil engineering specialist PP O’Connor confirmed it has acquired Galvac, a provider of vacuum excavation equipment, for an undisclosed sum.

Galvac, based in Salford and operating nationally, was part of civil engineering contractor GPL Group which entered into administration last month.

The acquisition is for the assets and staff of Galvac and secures the immediate future of 28 employees of the company.

Charmaine O’Connor, chief executive, PP O’Connor Group, said: “We are delighted we have been able to acquire Galvac and secure the jobs of its team so quickly.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the members of the Galvac team into PP O’Connor.

“This acquisition complements the range of services we offer to our clients and it’s testament to the hard work of everyone at PP O’Connor that we are able to expand our business further in such a positive manner.”

Commenting on the transaction, Ben Woolrych, partner at FRP Advisory, said: “Galvac is a solid business with a strong reputation for providing a high-quality service within a very specialist sector.

“By working closely with the directors to market the business and its assets for sale, we’ve been able to find a buyer that has strong synergies with the company and secure a deal that delivers the best possible result for the parties involved.”

The administrators were advised by Martin March of Turner Parkinson.

The acquisition provides PP O’Connor with an industry-leading fleet of vacuum excavation trucks that can service a national footprint supporting major infrastructure contracts, utilities and the broader industry with the latest innovation in safe dig techniques.

With headquarters in Irlam and regional offices in both Leeds and Liverpool, P.P O’Connor directly employs 250 people and provides regular training courses for employees as well as working closely with colleges and universities within the region to encourage graduates and apprentices.

PP O’Connor is working on many high profile projects across the North of England including RHS Bridgewater, Manchester Airport Transformation, MPT Metrolink extension to the Trafford Centre, Circle Square on Oxford Road, Manchester, City Labs for Bruntwood, United Utilities, Maggies Leeds, Strawberry Fields in Liverpool, and Airbus UK.