RSK adds highways firepower
The Cheshire-headquartered environmental and engineering services group has acquired Mason Street Furniture, a business employing 175 people across offices in Northamptonshire and County Durham.
MSF is described as a nationwide highways infrastructure contractor specialising in street lighting, traffic signs and signals, highway technology systems, fibre networks, electric vehicle infrastructure and independent connections.
RSK, a regular acquirer of businesses spanning property services, said that the deal adds specialist highways electrical and technology capability across RSK’s transportation, infrastructure and energy transition markets, while creating opportunities for more integrated delivery across the group’s transport infrastructure businesses.
MSF already works alongside Octavius Infrastructure, acquired by RSK in November last year, on highways projects. Founded and led by managing director Shaun Stacey, MSF employs 175 people across its Northamptonshire headquarters and County Durham office.
The business delivers design, installation and maintenance services for clients across the highways and infrastructure sectors, combining directly employed electrical and civil engineering teams with a network of approved specialist subcontractors.
MSF works directly for National Highways as a principal contractor, and also supports major civil engineering contractors including Balfour Beatty, GRAHAM, Esh Group, Costain and Winvic.
Recent projects include the following:
- A1 Birtley to Coal House Improvement Scheme: MSF delivered the signage, street lighting and technology packages for Costain’s improvement of 4 miles of the A1 between junctions 65 and 67.
- Tyne Bridge refurbishment: Working with Esh Group, MSF is helping to refurbish the grade two-listed Newcastle-Gateshead structure. Its work includes a new 132-unit architectural lighting system, the refurbishment of 50 original cast iron lamp columns and 90 LED lantern upgrades.
- M25 Junction 28 improvement scheme: MSF delivered street lighting, signage and technology infrastructure for GRAHAM.
MSF completes around 95% of projects using its own directly employed teams.
RSK Group chief executive Alan Ryder said: “MSF is a highly respected business with an outstanding reputation across the UK’s highways and infrastructure sectors. Its specialist expertise complements existing capabilities across RSK and supports greater collaboration throughout the group.
“The company is well positioned to support future investment in National Highways programmes, highway technology upgrades, decarbonisation initiatives and growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It also brings a significant self-delivery workforce, established client relationships and exceptional accreditation credentials. We are delighted to welcome Shaun and his colleagues to RSK and look forward to supporting the next phase of their growth.”
MSF’s MD Shaun Stacey will continue to lead the business. He said: “MSF has built its reputation on technical expertise, a strong safety culture and a commitment to delivering high-quality projects for our clients.
“Joining RSK creates exciting opportunities for growth while allowing us to retain the values, leadership and delivery model that have contributed to our success. Our clients will continue working with the same trusted teams, while gaining access to a broader range of expertise and complementary services from across the wider group. We are looking forward to working with our new colleagues and building on the foundations already established within the business.”
The RSK group includes well over 100 brands and business divisions operating globally. Other firms acquired by RSK include RoC Consulting, the engineering services firm founded by Rory O’Connor, who sold up in 2020; and transport planning consultancy SCP, which RSK bought early in 2022.
Interpath Advisory’s corporate finance team advised MSF directors on the sell-side of the deal. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Reuben Taylor, M&A associate director, said: “Mason Street Furniture is an established name with a deeply rooted presence and reputation for quality in the highways installation sector.
“While this made for a highly competitive sale process, RSK Group emerged as the most natural strategic fit. The transaction creates an exciting platform for further growth against a backdrop of significant market opportunity, and we wish the team every success as they embark on this next chapter.”
