Facilities management firm acquires building services contractor to create £25m group
Leeds-based First Response Group has acquired 100% share capital of Harrogate-based Robinsons M & E (RME), creating a £25m turnover group.
The acquisition by FRG, led by owners Jamal Tahlil and Edgar Chibaka, forms part of a 10-year strategic business plan which is aiming for growth both organically and through acquisitions.
RME was established in 1963 and has become one of Yorkshire’s leading commercial boiler, air conditioning and electrical installation firms. In 2017, the company relocated to Bishop Thornton, on the outskirts of Harrogate, occupying 2,170 sq ft at Oakwood Park Business Centre.
The firm’s recent mechanical and electrical installation projects include £1m factory for Saint-Gobain, a £1.3m care home for The Fisher Care Group via Marshall Building Contractors and a £1.7m of work for The University of Leeds via Sewell Construction and Henry Boot.
FRG was founded in 2007 and has a nationwide presence with eight branches including London and Cardiff. The company has a £15m turnover.
Edgar Chibaka, director of FRG, said: “This is an exciting acquisition for First Response Group. We wanted a business that fitted seamlessly with our facilities management solutions company and Robinsons M & E’s exemplary client care record and varied portfolio have positioned it at the forefront of Yorkshire’s commercial building services solutions, making it the ideal choice.”
RME managing Director Luke Kitchen will exit the business after a period of consultancy. Engineering directors Andrew Jackson and Joe Lee will remain in the business and part of its management team.
