American business swoops for specialist equipment maker and supplier

US company, Osmose Utilities Services Inc, has acquired Huddersfield-based Associated Utility Supplies (AUS).
Osmose is a provider of structural asset management solutions for the electric utility industry. AUS is a manufacturer and supplier of specialist equipment and services for distribution network operators in the UK and Ireland.
Mike Adams, chief executive officer of Osmose, said: “We are excited to partner with AUS to strengthen electrical grids in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and beyond.
“Integrating AUS’s pole restoration products and technology will help Osmose offer even more robust grid resilience services to our electric utility customers across the globe.”
The deal was led by Simon Thomas, Bristol-based partner and head of the corporate team at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP.
He was assisted by Megan James, (Corporate), Amy Peacey (Commercial), Sarah MacLarty (employment), Andrew Stokes (commercial property) and Bassey Hogan-Itam (Corporate Tax).
Jonathan Asquez and Lisa Murphy from Gordons LLP in Leeds acted for the sellers.
John Rigney, chief legal, risk and compliance officer at Osmose, added: “We were referred to Simon and the Clarke Willmott team by our US attorneys and really appreciated their assistance and support on this, our first acquisition in the UK market.
“We look forward to continuing to work with them as we develop the Osmose business further in the UK.”
Lee White, managing director of AUS, said: “This acquisition is a testament to our commitment to growth and innovation. Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient company that is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our market.”
In addition to electric utilities, AUS also serves the railroad and telecommunications industries as a manufacturer and distributor of operational and safety critical products.
AUS will continue to be headquartered in Huddersfield, where it employs around 50 people.