Kier acquires £180m infrastructure group

Construction giant Kier has snapped up McNicholas, an infrastructure specialist with a turnover of £180m.

As part of the deal, 1,880 employees, will move across to Kier.

The acquisition will allow Kier to strengthen its position in the utilities and infrastructure services sectors.

McNicholas is an established UK engineering services provider to the UK’s multi-utility sectors including telecommunications, gas, power, water, renewable energy and rail. It has a client base which includes Virgin Media, Network Rail and UK Power Networks. For the year to 31 March it turned over £180m.

Kier has 700 Yorkshire-based staff and offices in Sheffield and Leeds.

Haydn Mursell, chief executive of Kier said: “The acquisition of McNicholas builds on Kier’s strategy to accelerate growth and hold leading positions in its chosen markets.

“It is a highly complementary addition to our utility services business and enhances our presence in the power, rail and telecoms markets, with its long-standing client relationships.

“We are delighted that Barry and his team will remain with Kier to continue the growth and development of the business.”

Barry McNicholas, chief executive of McNicholas said: “Our business has been servicing the rapidly growing telecommunications industry for over fifty years and our expertise and knowledge has given us leading positions in new sectors such as gas, power, rail and civil engineering.

“We are excited by the opportunities that joining a larger group gives our teams to expand and grow. It also provides our clients access to a broader range of capabilities. I and the team look forward to joining Kier and playing a role in delivering the Vision 2020 strategy.”