Family-run Lancashire compliance specialist acquired by national player
Chorley based fire and air ventilation compliance specialist, RJ Urmson Group, has been acquired by HSL Compliance, for an undisclosed sum.
The deal will complement Ross-on-Wye-based HSL’s water and compliance business as it moves to broaden the range of services provides to its customers.
HSL is a player in the UK’s compliance market, helping customers to comply with relevant legislation and create safe environments for people to live and work. The business operates from several UK offices, including one in Warrington.
The Urmson Group, founded in 1992 by Robert and Louise Urmson, provides ventilation, validation, commissioning, water treatment and passive fire services to clients across the UK.
Robert Urmson, Managing Director of RJ Urmson, said: “Its brilliant to mark our 32nd year by joining forces with the team at HSL Compliance. Our combined knowledge and capabilities will benefit our Urmson clients, many of whom have been with us since the beginning, as well as providing great opportunities to our dedicated employees.”
Following the acquisition, Robert, alongside his daughter, Christina Urmson, will continue to lead the running of the Urmson Group and the company will continue to operate under its existing branding.
Gavin Hartley, Chief Executive of HSL Compliance, said: “Rob and the team have built a market-leading operation with services that complement our own. They are the perfect partner to support our continued mission to be the number one Health and Safety Compliance provider in the UK.”
DTE Corporate Finance, in Manchester, led the transaction.
Robert Urmson said: “Jon and Lewis at DTE Corporate Finance did a fantastic job in finding the right buyer for our family business. Once they had negotiated the offer from HSL they made sure that the deal progressed through to a successful conclusion.”
RJ Urmson Group was advised by Jon Else, Lewis Pearson and Ben Fallows of DTE Corporate Finance with legal support provided by Simon Wallwork and Mark Warburton of Slater Heelis.
The deal team at HSL Compliance was led by Tom Taylor and Gavin Hartley, with external financial due diligence support from Ross Wiggins of Menzies (London), and legal support from Arpinder Dhillon of Harrison Clark Rickerby (Ross-on-Wye).
