Keltbray has completed the sale of its Infrastructure Services Limited (KISL) business to private equity firm EMK Capital.
The strategic sale aims to support the specialist engineering contractor’s core business areas while positioning KISL for continued growth under new ownership.
The firm hopes that EMK Capital will bring financial resources and strategic expertise to drive future transformational growth in KISL.
Keltbray Group diversified into infrastructure services in 2009 with the acquisition of Gamble Rail, followed by Aspire Rail in 2010.
It established KISL, Keltbray’s energy networks business, in 2018.
KISL made further add-on acquisitions into the high voltage and renewable energy markets in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Keltbray claims the divestiture will allow it to focus on built environment and major civil engineering markets more sharply.
This follows a ‘strong’ financial performance for the company in its latest results, with a 30 per cent increase in turnover in the year to October 2023 on the previous financial period.
As part of the agreement, KISL will be renamed and branded to remove the ‘Keltbray’ reference, reflecting its new ownership and strategic direction.
Brendan Kerr, Owner of Keltbray, said: “This decision aligns with Keltbray’s long-term strategy to hone our focus on key business areas, allowing us to reinforce our commitment to excellence in the specialist engineering sector.
“Now is the right time for KISL to transition to a new owner and start a new chapter in its successful growth story.”
Darren James, CEO of KISL, said: “On behalf of the entire KISL business, I’d like to place on record our sincere thanks for the support we have received from Brendan and the Keltbray Group over the last 15 years which has been instrumental.
“Together with the management team, I am very excited to partner with our new owner EMK Capital and deliver on KISL’s full potential.”
Was this interesting? Try Unions win five-year campaign for HS2 tunnel access
If you have a tip or story idea that fits with our publication, please contact the news reporter miles@wavenews.co.uk
Get industry news in 5 minutes!
A daily email that makes industry news enjoyable. It’s completely free.
