Garside Laycock acquired by French group

Preston-based contractor Garside Laycock has been sold to Spie UK, part of the international Spie SA group of companies.

Garside Laycock, formed in 1980, had a turnover of £13.3m in the year to August 2011, producing a pre-tax profit of £600,000. Clients include Lancashire County Council, Reaseheath College in Cheshire, Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police.

James Thoden van Velzen, Spie UK chief executive, said: "The acquisition of Garside & Laycock fits our strategic plan to expand our regional coverage in the north of England and bring niche market skills to widen our facilities management delivery offering.

"As a trustworthy hard services provider, this company shares our guiding principles of performance, local presence and sustainability."

Paul Garside, managing director of Garside Laycock, said: "From our first meeting it was immediately evident that SPIE UK and Garside and Laycock operate in specialist markets and both have a culture of high quality and customer satisfaction.

"This unification will ensure a smooth, seamless transition to our clients, expanding the range of services we are able to offer."

Spie UK was advised by Mazars, Danièle Batude, Mayer Brown, and Colin Scagell. Garside Laycock was advised by Rothschild, David Weavers, DWF, and Frank Shephard.