Octavius buys R&W out of administration
Octavius Infrastructure has bought the assets and most of the contracts of R&W Civil Engineering in a deal led by Birmingham and Solihull-based Debrett’s Private Finance.
It was revealed last week that R&W was in talks with a potential buyer and had filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator.
Octavius has now finalised a deal for the firm after it went into administration.
Octavius Infrastructure is a Tier one supplier to key public bodies such as Network Rail, National Highways, and Transport for London; and local authorities and commercial customers.
It was formerly part of the Geoffrey Osborne Group before Sullivan Street Partners, a buyout firm, acquired the company in 2021.
R&W was founded in 1981 and provides a full range of civil engineering services with a specialist expertise in the highways sector. All business interests have been acquired by Octavius, securing R&W’s 122 employees.
Octavius’ CEO, John Dowsett said: “R&W is an organisation that we had identified in our acquisition strategy some time ago as a great fit both culturally and in terms of their complimentary capability. Securing this acquisition supports our ambitious growth plans to become a market leading transport infrastructure provider. Whilst we would clearly like to have taken over the business in different circumstances, we are delighted to be able to step in to support existing Customers and protect people’s livelihoods.”
Max Gimson, of Debrett’s Private Finance, retained advisers to Octavius, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with all parties on this deal and experience the collaboration, determination and commitment to see the opportunity through to a successful completion. We look forward to continuing our work with Octavius Infrastructure and Sullivan Street Partners.”
The Debrett’s team was led by Max Gimson with support from Gabriella Eeles and Seb Rowlands.
Post deal, Debrett’s will continue working with Octavius Infrastructure and Sullivan Street Partners to help identify further opportunities to support their ambitions.
