SSE Contracting
Liberty advises the management team of SSE Contracting on its acquisition by Aurelius Investments
Liberty Corporate Finance is pleased to announce that it has advised the management team of SSE Contracting on its acquisition by Aurelius Investments from SSE plc for an enterprise value of £27.5 million.
Liberty’s support in this transaction was first class. Their knowledge of deal structures and ability to engage on management’s behalf allowed senior management to focus on the core aspects of the transaction itself and ensure the business continued to be run effectively during this transaction phase of activity.
Neil Kirkby
Chairman of SSE Contracting
SSE Contracting is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest contracting businesses, providing mechanical, electrical, rail, street lighting and high voltage services. Operating from its nationwide network, SSEC has around 1,900 employees and high voltage engineers that provide essential energy infrastructure for a range of public and private sector clients, including hospitals and schools. It is the largest street light contractor in the UK and Ireland. SSEC’s Rail division works with vital transport services such as Transport for London and Network Rail to deliver mechanical, electrical and civils activity.
The transaction is subject to approval by the competition authorities and certain other conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.
Liberty advised the management team led by Neil Kirkby (Chairman) and Stuart Chaston (Managing Director) on their equity incentive arrangements under Aurelius’ ownership.
Tristan Nagler, UK Managing Director of Aurelius UK said “Aurelius looks forward to supporting SSE Contracting as it moves into the next stage of growth, capitalising on new opportunities and additional infrastructure spending expected in the post-Covid-19 recovery.”
SSE plc’s Finance Director Gregor Alexander said "Aurelius has a proven record of actively supporting the companies they work with, so this change of ownership should provide a good home for the Contracting business. It leaves the SSE group more focused around its renewables and networks core, allowing the Contracting business to thrive in an environment better suited to its ambitions."
It was great working with Neil, Stuart and the rest of the SSE Contracting senior management team. We wish them well in this exciting new chapter as a standalone business and we look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength.
Tim Thomas
Partner
+44 (0) 7966 479556
tim.thomas@libertycf.co.uk