Kvaerner's M&E subsidiary buys Andrews Weatherfoil

Kvaerner Rashleigh Phipps, the M&E subsidiary of the Kvaerner Construction Group, has bought Andrews Weatherfoil, the medium-sized M&E group.

Turnover of the combined business will be œ110 million, making it one of the Top 10 in this specialist sector.

As from 1 June, the new company will be called Kvaerner Rashleigh Weatherfoil.

Keith Clarke, chief executive of Kvaerner Construction, said: "Growth of our specialist businesses, to capture a greater share of the construction value in projects, is a strategic priority.

"The skills, knowledge and technical depth of our senior management gives us a strong base for managing expansion through acquisition.

"There is synergy between Kvaerner Rashleigh Phipps and Andrews Weatherfoil and in a market where nearly 50 per cent of the value of construction packages are mechanical and electrical works, this move is a logical step forward."

Peter Coote, managing director of Kvaerner Rashleigh Phipps, said the move would boost his company's capability for major building projects, as well as strengthening its regional network.

Coote said Facilities Services would now be offered on a national basis. Kvaerner Rashleigh Phipps was established more than 100 years ago as an electrical company. It expanded into mechanical work eight years ago, and moved into facilities services more recently. It has a current turnover of œ60 million. With a headquarters in West Byfleet, it has branch offices in London and Manchester.

Andrews Weatherfoil was part of Powell Duffryn, a Stock Exchange industrial group with interests in ports and specialist engineering.