A leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services has expanded its presence in the UK’s energy infrastructure sector with its 16th acquisition in nine years.
SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, whose headquarters are in Burton upon Trent, has acquired East Yorkshire engineering specialist LSTC Group, which provides engineering, design and asset inspection services for the regulated energy sector, working with transmission owners, distribution network operators and project developers across the UK.
The deal will strengthen SOCOTEC’s capabilities in power transmission and distribution networks as the UK continues to invest heavily in upgrading grid infrastructure to support the transition to cleaner energy.
Driffield-based LSTC services include overhead line design, surveys, geotechnical assessments, earthing solutions and infrastructure inspection work.
The acquisition is the 16th completed by SOCOTEC UK & Ireland since 2017 and adds further specialist expertise to the group’s infrastructure and energy division. SOCOTEC employs around 2,300 people across the UK and Ireland and generates revenues of about £240 million.
SOCOTEC Group CEO Hervé Montjotin said: “With the acquisition of LSTC, SOCOTEC UK & Ireland reaches a new level of scale and capability in the power transmission and distribution sector. LSTC will play a central rolewithin our UK platform, strengthening our position in a highly strategic market.
“This move is fully aligned with SOCOTEC Group’s global strategy to accelerate its development in critical infrastructure, particularly in power grids, which are essential to the energy transition.”
Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, added: “The acquisition of LSTC represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy and commitment to enhancing infrastructure safety and reliability across the UK and Ireland.
“LSTC’s expertise in serving the UK’s regulated energy infrastructure sector, combined with their talented team, will significantly strengthen our engineering capabilities and expand our asset inspection offerings in this critical sector, particularly as the UK continues to majorly invest in its transmission and distribution networks.”
Tim Wilkins, chairman of LSTC, said: “Joining forces with SOCOTEC UK & Ireland provides an exciting opportunity to expand our engineering, design, survey and inspection services while accessing wider resources, expertise and clients.
“Our team has built strong relationships with major transmission and distribution network operators, and as part of SOCOTEC, we look forward to building on that legacy while contributing to the company’s comprehensive infrastructure and energy sector offering.”
