We are pleased to announce that we have supported Contollo Group Ltd (Contollo), a building consultancy group, to continue implementing its ambitious growth programme with the acquisition of two mechanical and electrical (MEP) consultancy businesses.
Contollo has set out its ambition to acquire businesses in the North West, Midlands, and South East over the next five years, as part of its mission to build a national business of scale that works with developers to offer building consultancy (MEP and Cost Management), with particular expertise in smart buildings.
Last week the business acquired TACE, a specialist consulting-engineering practice which serves the public and private sectors; with a focus on education, sports facilities and multi-unit accommodation.
Today, it has announced its acquisition of MBA Consultants (MBA), a MEP consultancy specialising in delivering highly sustainable building solutions, particularly in the industrial and logistics sectors.
Following its inaugural partnership in February with Abacus, a leading cost and project management consultancy, the business now has six offices across Manchester, Liverpool, London & Milton Keynes; and a team of 140 people. In addition, the business has built a strong operational platform and expanded its senior leadership team with Gary Gardner joining the business as Chief Strategy Officer in June.
Ruth Percival, CEO of Contollo, said: “Contollo was established to bring together highly respected regional consultancies and sector specialists, to create a national multi-disciplinary group that unlocks the full potential of smart buildings for developers.
“We’ve built a great relationship with the leadership teams of Abacus, TACE and MBA, who have all established an excellent reputation; and will support us to extend our consulting capabilities and the national reach of the Group. We now have an established platform, which enables us to make further acquisitions and support a wide range of customers.”
Liam May, Director at NorthEdge, added: “We’re delighted to have supported Contollo to complete three acquisitions during the first nine months of our partnership. With the acquisitions of Abacus, TACE and MBA, Contollo has established both a national presence and a strong platform for future growth in MEP and Cost Management consultancy.
“There is a rapidly increasing demand for tech-enabled smart buildings, driven by board-level ESG agendas and underpinned by growing regulatory pressure on built environment stakeholders to progress towards Net Zero. We look forward to continuing this momentum as we support the team to build a national business of scale.”
Alongside backing from NorthEdge, funding to support the acquisitions was provided by ThinCats, a leading alternative finance provider.
Simon Dixon, Managing Director North, ThinCats, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Contollo’s ambitious growth programme as they look to consolidate in one of the fastest growing segments in the UK construction market.
“Ruth, Oliver and the expert team’s industry knowledge coupled with their excellent track record of executing buy and build strategies means they are well positioned to capitalise on this fragmented market – evidenced by their second and third acquisitions in quick succession in the past few weeks.
“With backing from NorthEdge they have perfect partners and a fantastic platform on which to build. We are excited to be a part of their journey and look forward to supporting Contollo’s next phase of growth.”