OCU Group has announced the acquisition of civil engineering and building contractor RJ McLeod.
The move by the UK energy transition and utilities infrastructure service company increases its revenues to over £800 million and boosts its capability and capacity for work in supporting the critical UK energy transition.
OCU Group explained that the move also enhances its market position in areas such as battery energy storage systems, wind power, hydro power, substation construction, and grid reinforcement.
RJ McLeod will continue to operate under the same name, staff, locations, and work – supported by the strength and increased capabilities from within OCU Group, the company added.
The Glasgow and Dingwall-based contractor has increasingly focused on renewable energy over the years, particularly with regards to onshore wind developments such as the Viking and South Kyle wind farms.
Beyond wind farms, RJ McLeod also has specialist capabilities in battery storage and hydro-electric projects as well as in grid and substation construction. The business also has a strong market presence across the Scottish marine sector, having completed a number of transformative projects in recent years, as well as being a key provider for other civil engineering services such as roads, flood prevention and coastal protection.
OCU Group has seen consistent year on year growth, which it explained is underpinned by its commitment to safety, operational excellence, and innovation across its valued client base in energy, telecoms, water, and transport.
Michael Hughes, CEO of OCU Group, said, “The RJ McLeod acquisition marks a key milestone in the OCU Group journey to become the leading energy transition and utilities contractor in the UK. RJ McLeod has built an unrivalled engineering expertise and reputation which now further strengthen our offering to clients. The breadth and depth of OCU and RJ McLeod’s delivery capability provides us with more strategic options when delivering end to end programmes for our valued clients. Together, we are well placed to lead the way in the UK’s energy transition delivery.”
Bruce Clark, joint MD of RJ McLeod, added, “Since the business was founded by Roderick John MacLeod in 1951, we have carried the ethos of enabling people to give their best and we are very proud of the team that has brought us to where the business is today. Looking forward we see even greater opportunities to maintain and grow the impact of our people and delivery for our clients within the OCU Group family.”
Graeme Clark, Joint MD of RJ McLeod, commented, “RJ McLeod has been operating across mainland Scotland, the Western and Northern Isles for more than 70 years. Specialising in civil engineering, often related to complex projects, we have established a valued client base. We believe that joining OCU Group today has increased our ability to provide a more comprehensive service to existing and new clients.”
