The takeover of Approved Power Services (APS)is intended to strengthen Global Energy Group’s presence in the power and utilities infrastructure sector.
APS joins a group that already includes civil engineering contractor Global Infrastructure, Bracewell Stirling Consulting and construction company Capstone Construction.
Following GEG Capital’s purchase of 100% of the equity in APS from owner Paul Oakes, the existing management team, including managing director Gerry Donnelly, will remain in place, with all current staff retained, GEG said.
A recruitment drive is now planned, to double the APSs workforce within the next year to around 100. AS part of GEG, APS is now positioned to play a role in high-voltage commissioning for onshore and offshore wind farms, expanding its reach in the renewable energy sector.
APS owner Paul Oakes said: “We are delighted to join the GEG Capital portfolio. Not only will we immediately benefit from the opportunities created by collaborating closely with fellow group companies, but being part of a larger group will allow us to take APS to the next level. Our expanded benefit from the larger group structure will enable us to bid directly for major framework contracts with the network providers we already have excellent long-term relationships with.
“We look forward to working closely with the leadership team at GEG Capital and leveraging their established management, finance systems, and extensive experience in scaling businesses like ours.”
APS managing director Gerry Donnelly added: “The multi-disciplinary nature of our combined services will offer an immediate benefit to our client base. The group scale will allow us to enter new markets, take on larger contracts, and significantly expand our high-voltage commissioning services for onshore and offshore wind projects.
“Additionally, our recruitment drive will support this growth, creating new job opportunities across the UK.”
GEG Capital director Rory Mackenzie said: “We’re delighted to add the considerable capabilities of APS to the GEG Capital portfolio. APS has built an outstanding reputation in the energy infrastructure and cabling sector. By integrating its expertise into our portfolio, we significantly enhance our ability to deliver end-to-end solutions—from planning and design to HV cable installation, jointing, and now, high-voltage commissioning for renewable energy projects.
“The acquisition of APS brings further opportunities for the entire group. We will benefit from synergies with our other portfolio companies, including utilities, energy, and renewables contractor Global Infrastructure, and Arthian, which specialises in, planning, environmental, engineering, and safety services.
“As with all our significant investments, we identified in APS a company that shares our values, our vision for the UK energy sector, and our ambitious plans for growth and people development.”
APS clients include National Grid, Western Power Distribution, Northern Power Grid, Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE) and UK Power Networks. Current projects include the supply and installation of 5.5 km of 400kV cable at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset and the Beauly 132kV project in Scotland, where APS is installing 17 new 132kV circuits and two temporary interconnectors, handling civil works, cable removal, duct installation and joint bay excavation.
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