FBW Engineering Services Limited acquired Chester-based ARL Consulting on Thursday.
FBW aims to leverage ARL’s expertise in the food and beverage sector and provide valuable access to the industry.
At the same time, ARL will benefit from onboarding FBW’s Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services, enhancing the overall value of its existing portfolio.
In a strategic move, both companies will maintain their autonomy and operate independently under the FBW Group umbrella, with FBW co-owner Ian Hampson taking on the role of managing director of ARL as part of the deal.
Working alongside the existing management team and working closely with ARL founder Simon Binyon, Hampson will aim to ensure a seamless integration of operations at the Chester-based company.
Ian took over the running of FBW through a management buyout in 2016 and, together with co-owner Mike Dover, has actively driven growth and invested significantly in the business over the past eight years.
“Mike and I share a passion for growth and have consistently invested in the business since the acquisition. We have been successful in raising FBW's profile and securing customers both domestically and internationally,” said Hampson.
“This acquisition is a natural step in line with our growth strategy and provides an opportunity to develop new markets and integrate further expertise into our business. ARL is a well-respected brand in the wastewater treatment sector, with an impressive client portfolio and specialist skillset that we are proud to invest in going forward.”
The deal marks a period of growth for FBW, with the team expanding with new appointments including Emma Carter as Team Manager and Tom Smith as Mechanical Engineering Apprentice for later in 2023.
Managing director Mike Dover said: “We'd like to warmly welcome Emma, Tom and our new colleagues at ARL to the group. The prospect of expanding into new markets is particularly exciting and we look forward to the opportunities and growth that lie ahead.”
Stephensons LLP represented FBW in the transaction.
