Nottingham-based Ford Group has been bought by Vinci Energies UK, securing 70 jobs.

Electrical engineering firm Vinci Energies UK has acquired the £4 million turnover Ford Group (Ford Communications and Arthur Ford businesses) from administrators Tenon.

The deal secures the 70 jobs at Ford’s Nottingham site, with Vinci pledging that, under the new name of LB Ford, the company will continue to offer the same quality of service to its existing client base.

LB Ford director Trevor Savage said: “The acquisition by Vinci Energies is good news for both clients and staff at the Nottingham site. Vinci has a strong philosophy of working closely with the existing team, which will mean that we can maintain a high quality of service for clients both locally and across the UK.

“The purchase will also secure the financial future of the company, while bringing international experience, transfer of technologies, increased investment and greater resources to our operations.”

David Fisher of Vinci Energies commented: “We are delighted to have completed the purchase of the Arthur Ford and Ford Communications businesses. LB Ford inherits a strong order book and a great client list, which includes many blue-chip companies.

“On top of these strong foundations, the Vinci Group will bring investment, resources and training and an increased capability in areas such as high voltage, control systems and mechanical engineering services. All together it adds up to the perfect mix for a successful future.”

Vinci Energies employs 500 staff across 13 UK sites and generated sales of £23 million in 2003. It is part of the Vinci Group that has a workforce of 26 000 across 700 business units in Europe, and last year had a turnover of more than £2 billion. Its UK m&e contracting interests also include Rosser & Russell and Lee Beesley.

The Ford Group was founded in 1924 by Arthur Ford and provides electrical, mechanical and data services.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor