May Gurney acquires Willows Plant

May Gurney has acquired Willows Plant Limited ('Willows'), the north west based gas utility maintenance contractor which works primarily for National Grid on long-term maintenance contracts.

The acquisition complements May Gurney's existing gas maintenance business with National Grid and strengthens the company's strategic position in the gas market as the industry prepares for the next round of long-term gas maintenance contracts.

Utilities maintenance currently represents 30% of May Gurney's annual revenues. The company provides a range of installation, maintenance and enhancement services to many of the UK's utility companies under long-term contracts.

"The combined skills of the two businesses will give us an excellent opportunity to secure a long-term and substantial position in the gas maintenance market."

David Sterry, May Gurney

The Willows acquisition furthers May Gurney's ambitious plan to be 'twice the size by 2012', and accords with the company's emphasis on strengthening long-term relationships by providing an enhanced service offering.

The strategy behind the acquisition is to merge the Willows and May Gurney's gas businesses to create 'the best' gas business in the north west and West Midlands. Once the businesses are integrated, May Gurney will be in a strong position to bid for the National Grid Gas Alliance in 2008.

David Sterry, Chief Executive of May Gurney (pictured opposite), said: "As a result of the acquisition we welcome approximately 400 employees to May Gurney, who will help us increase our expertise in the gas industry. The combined skills of the two businesses will give us an excellent opportunity to secure a long-term and substantial position in the gas maintenance market."

The integration process will be led by Tim Read, who will be Interim Managing Director for the combined businesses, assisted by Neil Hilton, the current Managing Director of Willows.

Neil Hilton said: "This is a tremendous move for Willows and we look forward to integrating our teams and growing our combined business."

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