OCU Group tops £800m turnover with RJ McLeod acquisition

OCU Group has acquired Scottish civil engineering firm RJ McLeod, increasing its revenues to more than £800 million.

Glasgow and Dingwall-based RJ McLeod has a more than seven-decade history of delivering complex engineering solutions in Scotland.

The firm has focused on renewable energy in recent years, particularly in offshore wind developments such as the Viking and South Kyle wind farms.

It also has specialist capabilities in battery storage and hydro-electric projects as well as in grid and substation construction, the Scottish marine sector, and a key provider for civil engineering services such as roads, flood prevention and coastal protection.

RJ McLeod’s most recent accounts show a £210 million turnover in the year ending October 2022.

The acquisition enhances OCU’s market positions in areas including: 

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Wind power
• Hydro power
• Substation construction
• Grid reinforcement

RJ McLeod will, however, continue to operate under the same name, staff, locations and work.

Advising: RJ McLeod was advised by PwC and Pinsent Masons. OCU was advised by Addleshaw Goddard.

OCU Group, in Stockport, has seen consistent year-on-year growth.

The company bought M&E and civils contractor Northavon Group, in April this year, its sixth and largest acquisition over 12 months. 

OCU also acquired London utility specialist, Modus, fibre optic specialist, InICT, multi-utilities hub, Opals, Surrey-based power systems design and engineering service, Andrews Associates, and FKS, a telecom installation outfit in Wigan. 

OCU Group CEO Micheal Hughes said: “The RJ McLeod acquisition marks a key milestone in the OCU Group journey to become the leading energy transition and utilities contractor in the UK.

“The breadth and depth of OCU and RJ McLeod’s delivery capability provides us with more strategic options when delivering end-to-end programmes for our valued clients. 

“Together, we are well placed to lead the way in the UK’s energy transition delivery.”

The sale price has not been disclosed.

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