Further acquisition for Stockport utilities group

Stockport-based specialist utilities sector contractor, OCU Group, has announced its acquisition of electrical engineering business, Hornbill Group.

Based in Neath, South Wales, Hornbill is accredited by the National Electricity Registration Scheme and specialises in designing and building electrical infrastructure for high and low voltage settings and renewable energy schemes.

The deal marks the eight acquisition for OCU Group in the past 18 months, and follows the Stockport utilities contractor’s acquisitions of Northavon in May, and Integrum Power Engineering in June.

As part of the acquisition, Hornbill will rebrand as OCU Hornbill and fall under the Stockport utilities group’s Energy Services division, focused on delivering the infrastructure improvements needed to manage the UK’s transition to renewable energy and 2050 decarbonisation target.

Michael Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of OCU Group, said:

“The acquisition of Hornbill was an obvious choice for OCU Group, offering the business access to a highly skilled workforce and reinforcing our reputation as an engineering-led organisation. Acquiring Hornbill not only strengthens our presence across South Wales and the South-West but also opens doors within this region, aligning with our long-term growth strategy. As a business, we are committed to assisting the UK and our clients in decarbonisation efforts. This acquisition will also play a significant role in expanding our portfolio of renewable energy infrastructure, furthering our commitment to sustainability.”

Gavin Murray, Managing Director of Hornbill, said:

“Throughout the acquisition process with OCU, we have experienced seamless interaction and integration planning, and we firmly believe that the synergy between our two businesses will be vital in helping us capitalise on new opportunities in the renewables space, as well as branching out into new markets.”

Vince Bowler, Managing Director of OCU Energy Services, added:

“The breadth of services provided by Hornbill perfectly complements the growth aspiration of OCU, accelerating our aim to meet the demands and expectations of our clients. Having this in-house skilled engineering capability further enhances our offering in the regulated and non-regulated energy markets, as demand for specialist engineering resources grows.”