GRS Group has acquired S Walsh & Sons Ltd, which it described as “one of London’s most successful and diverse companies serving the construction, quarrying and waste sectors”.
S Walsh & Sons partners with infrastructure firms for the removal, haulage, handling and recycling of construction and waste materials.
GRS said the move was a “win-win” as it will provide them with access to “key strategic locations” in London for the import and export of bulk materials, while giving Walsh access to GRS’s national network of customers, supply partners and facilities for construction waste.
GRS chief executive Jon Fisher said, “The two businesses have worked together on many projects and in recent years we’ve built a much closer working relationship. The Walsh team has a wealth of operational, commercial and technical expertise across a range of services to construction, waste and quarrying companies.
“More important is that Walsh has a similar customer-led, can-do attitude as we have in GRS, so I’m confident we’ll work well together. Acquiring Walsh expands the GRS portfolio with a market-leading range of joined-up services and sustainable solutions for the construction industry. It’s another example of putting our strategy into action to achieve our vision.”
Walsh employs around 175 people in the south of England. The acquisition takes the number of GRS employees beyond the 800 mark, with the two businesses set to operate more than 50 sites.
GRS confirmed Walsh will continue to operate as a standalone business. Directors Nick Walsh, Westley Pickup, Richard Walsh and Tim Wheeler will continue to operate the business daily.
Nick Walsh added, “This agreement is a win-win. We’re very proud of the reputation Walsh has built up over the years – that’s a testament to the brilliant team we have working for us. The decision to sell has not been taken lightly, but teaming up with a business as ambitious as GRS is a natural step to take the company on to the next stage in its development.”
