M Group Services (‘the Group’), a leading provider of services to essential infrastructure markets in the UK, with a turnover of over £1.2bn, today announces the acquisition of Antagrade Electrical (“Antagrade” or “the Company”).
Antagrade is one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist railway electrification infrastructure services including the design, installation, testing and commissioning of substations and track equipment that powers the rail network.
Antagrade has successfully delivered a number of projects over many years to enhance, replace and maintain traction power infrastructures for Network Rail and a number of private rail systems in the UK including Docklands Light Railway, Manchester Metrolink, Mersey Rail and the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Following the acquisition, Antagrade will retain its brand identity and continue to operate as a standalone specialist services business, forming part of M Group Services’ transport division that includes Dyer & Butler, a multi-disciplined engineering services specialist focused on essential infrastructure including airports, railways and highways.
M Group Services Chief Executive Jim Arnold commented: “Given the ongoing upgrade to existing railway infrastructure and the continuing expansion of private light rail systems in the UK, Antagrade is uniquely placed to provide its specialist services in a niche area of the UK rail market.
“The Company has developed long-standing relationships with Network Rail and other key UK rail network operators and has a first-class reputation in its field, established through its extensive work on a number of high-profile rail networks over many years. We are delighted to welcome the Company to our growing family of essential infrastructure businesses.”
Neil Edwards, Managing Director of M Group Services’ transport division, adds: “Antagrade’s specialist expertise and service offering will broaden the transport division’s existing scope of capability, complementing perfectly the essential infrastructure, maintenance and renewal services that we provide through Dyer & Butler. This acquisition creates the platform to broaden our service offering to key network operators across the UK, while supporting the Group’s ongoing growth strategy for the transport sector.”
Antagrade Managing Director Ian Drover, who will remain within the same role, commented: “This is an exciting development for Antagrade and we look forward to forging a strong partnership with M Group Services as we embark on the next phase of our sustainable long-term growth, offering our specialist services to key network operators and their strategic suppliers across the UK.”
Matt Strong, a member of Antagrade’s founding family will also remain with the business in the role of Operations Director. Matt comments: “Since it was established 35 years ago as a family-run business, Antagrade has successfully evolved into one of the largest providers of traction power systems as a standalone service in the UK. I am delighted that M Group Services has chosen to acquire Antagrade and that we now have the opportunity to work as part of a like-minded group that will actively support our continued profitable future growth.”
Antagrade is M Group Services’ ninth acquisition in just over two years. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
