Wed, 06 Aug 2025 | DIVISION SALE
Lancashire-headquartered infrastructure and engineering services provider Avove, formerly Amey Utilities, has expanded into Northern Ireland with a new acquisition. The company has acquired the Irish operations of Jacopa, which provides water and wastewater services.
Following the acquisition, Enniskillen-based Jacopa Ireland will be known as Avove Ireland. The business, which employs 30 staff, manufactures and installs sewage treatment equipment, working with Northern Ireland Water under a range of product and services frameworks.
In addition, the business serves as a partner in two joint venture companies: DLJ Water, with Lowry Building & Civil Engineering and Deane Public Works, delivering capital projects; and Jacopa-Deane Group, with Deane Public Works, delivering base maintenance projects.
Avove stated that its move into Northern Ireland was a reflection of its commitment to the water sector. The company, formerly the utilities division of Amey, was acquired by Rubicon Partners in 2022.
West Bromwich-based Jacopa comprises brands including Aquator, Copa, MBR Technology, Tomkinson and Jones + Attwood.
Following the acquisition, Jacopa Ireland Frameworks Manager Kieran Madine said: "This partnership opens tremendous opportunities as we join forces with a dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking organisation. Avove's business model, focused on delivering cutting-edge and sustainable solutions for the water industry in Ireland, aligns perfectly with our vision for growth and excellence."
Avove Executive Chair Mark Perkins, commented: "Jacopa Ireland's expertise, culture and passion align perfectly with our values and mark a significant milestone in our growth strategy.”
"With this acquisition we look forward to collaborating with Northern Ireland Water and combining the strengths of the Jacopa team with the experience and capability of Avove to provide a thoughtful approach and exceptional service."
Avove Head of Strategic Projects Ben Hawkins added that the deal was “a significant addition to our growing capability.”
An increasing focus on infrastructure projects is proving to be a significant tailwind for M&A in the UK civil engineering space
This is an opportunity to acquire a high-performance anaerobic digestion plant near Hull, capable of processing 215 tonnes of vegetable waste daily and exporting 52 GWh of gas annually.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a longstanding UK-based precision engineering company with over 60 years of history, serving diverse sectors with its advanced machine tools.
Discover a unique opportunity to acquire the business assets of a well-established civil engineering and groundworks company with a prestigious reputation.
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.