Site Energy, an electrical installation and maintenance contractor based in Stoke-on-Trent, has joined Ipsum Group in a deal advised upon by KBS Corporate.

Established in 2011, Site Energy specialises in high voltage and low voltage installations, also offering fault location and repair, testing and commissioning and substation construction.

Having established an excellent reputation in its sector by providing a consistently high standard of service, the company has been sold alongside its associated training business SES Training Solutions.

Directors Simon Blundred and Carl Thompson enlisted KBS Corporate to oversee the sale of the company to facilitate their eventual retirement plans. The transaction was led by Luke Rae, KBS Corporate Deal Executive.

‘After many years of hard work building the businesses, we felt we were ready to take a step back to allow us to spend more time with our families and to travel more,’ explained Simon.

‘We wanted to sell the business to a company that could invest money and take this business to the next level, retaining staff and building a secure future for both the business and the employees.

‘I think it’s crucial to have the correct people acting on your behalf with a proven track record in this field. KBS, our agents in the sale, and Mackrell, our legal representatives, showed an extensive knowledge and were both instrumental in a smooth process.

KBS, and in particular Luke, gave us a very good service. Luke was always on hand to answer any questions and provide reassurance throughout the process. His knowledge and experience in this area proved we made the correct decision instructing KBS to act on our behalf.’

Ipsum, based in Chorley, Lancashire, is a leading provider of specialist utility and infrastructure services. The acquisition of Site Energy will complement the Group’s existing capabilities of electrical and mechanical design, installation and maintenance of low and high voltage installations across the UK.

‘We are looking forward to this new and exciting period,’ added Simon Blundred. ‘We have been working closely with Ipsum over the last few months to ensure a seamless transition so we can continue to deliver for our customers.’

‘This acquisition gives us the opportunity to further enhance our offering and tap into Ipsum’s delivery at scale.  I feel the new owners are inheriting a very successful business and with investment and their vast knowledge of the industry, they can grow the business considerably to give the workforce a very secure and successful future.’

Regarding the opportunities for the training arm of the business, Carl Thompson explained: ‘The acquisition will allow us to further tap into the Power sector and work with some key players in the industry to provide essential training to the current and new workforce.

Times are challenging and Power as an industry is facing the mammoth task of attracting new talent. However, the acquisition presents a great opportunity to engage with people across the UK and show them how exciting it is to be in this sector.’

Richard Thomas, Ipsum’s CEO, commented: ‘Not only does the acquisition of Site Energy and SES Training Solutions broaden our capabilities and geographical reach in the Power industry, but it also allows us to support the development of current and future talent. We warmly welcome our new colleagues to Ipsum.’

Luke Rae was delighted to lead the transaction to a successful conclusion, he stated: ‘Both Site Energy and Ipsum were an absolute pleasure to work with and I wish both parties, personally and professionally, all the very best for the future.’

Editor’s Notes

  • K3 Capital Group (‘K3’), KBS Corporate’s holding company, is the No 1-ranked mid-market mergers and acquisitions adviser in the UK and Europe and No 4 globally (source: LSEG)
  • K3 advised on 336 UK deals in 2023 – the second-highest total being 98
  • K3 is a multi-disciplinary and complementary group of professional services businesses advising UK SMEs and with some operations overseas.
  • K3 listed on the AIM market in April 2017 and was subsequently acquired for £270m in 2023 by Sun European Partners, a subsidiary of Florida-based investment firm Sun Capital.
  • K3’s divisions operate through multiple brands such as Knightsbridge, KBS Corporate, KBS Corporate Finance, Knight Corporate Finance (Business Sales), Quantuma and Quantuma International (Restructuring), Randd, Knight R&D and K3 Tax Advisory (Tax).

If you require any further information, please contact Jon Wilde in the marketing department at KBS Corporate – jon.wilde@kbscorporate.com