M&E firm snapped up by acquisitive rival

An East Midlands mechanical and electrical firm has been sold to a fast-expanding counterpart.

SVM Brookbanks has bought Building Services Design (BSD), which has offices in Derby, Leicester, Nottingham and Kettering, for an undisclosed sum.

Herts-based SVM has been in talks with BSD for several weeks according to BSD managing director David White. The move is part of SVM’s strategy for growth along the M1 corridor, into the Midlands and the North West.

Allan Harrison, managing director of SVM, said that BSD’s impressive reputation and client base had led them to approach the company to do the deal.

He said: “We are pleased to announce the acquisition of BSD. Our companies share a similar ethos, and our plan is to run the two companies side by side and then merge in the future.

“SVM is part of a larger group of companies. We work with a number of bluechip businesses including Audley Retirement Villages, Inspired Villages Group, the Royal Household, and Taylor Wimpey. Bringing SVM and BSD together means that we can offer a full complement of skills to both companies’ clients which means we have a fantastic combined offer.”

SVM, which was set up more than 60 years ago, employs 28 people at its Herts base.

BSD was founded in 1991 and has grown to become one of the UK’s top 30 mechanical and electrical engineering consultancies, employing more than 80 people in seven offices across the UK at Kettering, London, Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester, Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.

Harrison added: “SVM Brookbanks has also recently acquired SVMCE and is looking to continue on the acquisition of companies in the construction services sector to continue to build the group. The fact that we have resources at SVM and multiple opportunities with BSD means that it gives us that opportunity to develop the business.

“Our aim is to grow the group and service all our customers within our sectors. We have a solid platform from which to do that. We intend to acquire more businesses over the next five years and are looking at opportunities.”

David White of BSD said: “This is an exciting new chapter for BSD. SVM is an excellent company with a great track record. There is a great synergy between the businesses and the resulting company when we merge in the future is going to be a really strong player with a fantastic combined list of clients.”

BSD director David Featherstone said: “We are pleased to be doing this deal with SVM. It is a hugely ambitious business and a leader in the field. It made perfect sense to enter into this acquisition. Allan Harrison and his team of directors and David and I have a similar ethos and we are looking forward to being part of this incredible force.”

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