Chester’s TNW acquired by Sadler Brown

Tweed Nuttall Warburton Architecture has been bought by Newcastle-based Sadler Brown Architecture as the latter seeks to grow its presence in the North West.

The deal, the value of which was not disclosed, will see Chester-based TNW Architecture continue to operate under its name and brand, but as a wholly owned entity of the Sadler Brown group. Sadler Brown has made several other acquisitions in recent years including of Anthony Keith Architects in 2017.

“The timely acquisition of TNW Architecture is seen as a perfect fit for the SBG’s growing workforce, geographic coverage and sector expansion plans,” a statement from the group said.

SBG’s managing director Tony Harmieson added: “Expanding our profile and footprint via this acquisition will allow us to grow our group’s client base in the North West of England further, while continuing to provide an excellent level of design expertise for which we are now nationally renowned.”

TNW’s founding director John Tweed will continue to head up the TNW part of the group under the deal. The company has worked on a raft of schemes across the North West including the £37m Chester Storyhouse as heritage consultant.

Tweed said: “Over four decades, the team has helped shape a spectrum of heritage, education, commercial, agricultural and residential projects in Cheshire and North Wales.

“The senior team has a wealth of experience working closely with individual, corporate and institutional clients and coordinating the work of specialist environmental and construction professionals.

“By ​teaming up with Sadler Brown, we have a huge opportunity to deliver for a wider range and scale of client than ever before. It’s all very exciting.”

TNW have particular expertise working in rural areas and heritage settings, but have worked on projects ranging from school refurbishments, elderly care environments and housing developments, to offices, commercial and community buildings.

SBG has won several new contracts lately, including for rail stations and infrastructure work for Nexus and Network Rail, and private residential projects. Its next scheme in the North West is a £28m new build co-living development in Liverpool, to comprise 380 apartments. This is at the pre-planning application stage.

SBG’s Harmieson said: “Despite trying economic times, we have been able to push on with the acquisition of Tweed Nuttall Warburton Architects, which has a fantastic reputation and history in the North West of England.

“This is our latest strategic acquisition to allow a more local client service in the North West. TNW has an unquestioned reputation spread over more than 40 years of delivering a broad range of high-profile projects in this region, and across a number of our target sectors, so the fit is like hand-to-glove.”