Alard acquired by French group

STOCKPORT-based electrical engineering contractor Alard has been bought by the French group SPIE.

It said the deal would expand its business in the UK which has operations in eight cities including Manchester.

Alard, which turns over £3.1m and employs 43 people, was established in 1984 by Graham Cooper who owns all the shares. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Its clients include Manchester United, Aldi, United Biscuits and Mersey Docks.

Mr Cooper is retiring from the company and Alard will now become part of the SPIE UK building services business. David Shiel, operations manager at SPIE, will head the business.
 
James Thoden van Velzen, chief executive of SPIE UK, said: “The acquisition of Alard fits perfectly into our strategic plan to expand our regional coverage and acquire specialist technologies and services. As a successful electrical services provider, Alard shares our pursuit of exemplary performance, local presence and sustainability.”

Alard had legal advice from Davis Blank Furniss, while SPIE was advised by Walker Morris.