M Group has completed the acquisition of Suffolk-based Aran Group to strengthen its offering in the energy-efficiency and social housing retrofit markets.
The deal – for an undisclosed value – will expand the capabilities of M Group’s decarbonisation specialist AgilityEco and forms part of a broader strategy to grow its home retrofit and energy transition business.
Aran partners local authorities and housing providers, specialising in retrofit contracting and installation.
It turned over £19.3m with a pre-tax profit of £2.2m in its latest accounts for the year to 31 March 2024.
The company will now support AgilityEco in delivering full-service retrofit programmes across the UK, including through funded schemes, M Group said in a statement today (10 April).
The acquisition will also see AgilityEco scale up to support 28,000 homes in 2026. It is concurrently investing in a new technology-enabled platform to support project delivery and data management.
AgilityEco managing director Sharon Johnson said the acquisition would enhance the firm’s ability to serve public sector clients: “With Aran’s complementary skills, particularly in the social housing space, and high-quality retrofit installation expertise, we will be able to expand our platform to deliver for our clients.”
Aran managing director Mark Randall will remain with the business following the deal. He said the acquisition would combine the strengths of both firms to deliver “enhanced services” for clients.
M Group was the 10th-largest contractor in the UK according to the CN100 2024 rankings.
Its chief executive Andrew Findlay said the acquisition of Aran Group aligns with the company’s £2.5bn professional services growth strategy, which combines organic and acquisition-led expansion.
He added: “Acquiring Aran deepens our home decarbonisation expertise and capabilities.”
This deal marks the 21st acquisition made by M Group since 2016.
Formerly known as M Group Services, the firm announced a rebrand last week.
AgilityEco is a long-term delivery partner for local authorities and energy suppliers, providing retrofit and energy efficiency programmes for vulnerable households.
Aran will now add direct contracting and installation services to that capability.
Source: M Group press release