'Together we can offer our customers a far more': Northern Ireland lift group acquires specialist London engineering firm
Re-Ropes, part of Mallusk-based WH Scott Group, has acquired south London steel fabricator Bluecoat Engineering in a deal that brings together complementary lift refurbishment and modernisation services
A Northern Ireland lift specialist has strengthened its refurbishment offering after acquiring a south London engineering company in a deal advised by corporate finance firm KBS.
Bluecoat Engineering, a steel fabrication business specialising in lift components, has been acquired by Re-Ropes, a division of Mallusk-based WH Scott Group.
Founded in 2011 by Graham Ladbrook, Michael Roach and Ray Lynch, who have managed the business ever since, Bluecoat is based in Beckenham, south London.
The company manufactures and fabricates metal components used in lift cars, providing a modern, durable finish without the cost and disruption of a full replacement. Its team of trained engineers operates across the UK.
The acquisition brings together two complementary businesses, with Re-Ropes specialising in the machinery that moves a lift and Bluecoat providing the lift cars and associated components.
The combined offering will provide customers with a single partner for lift refurbishment and modernisation.
The transaction was advised by Joe Darbyshire, corporate deal executive at KBS, with legal services provided by K3 Law.
In a statement, Bluecoat's directors said: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved since founding the company and of the skilled team who have made it possible.
“Joining Re-Ropes and the wider WH Scott Group is the right next step for the business, our customers and our employees. Our services complement each other perfectly and together we can offer the lift industry something genuinely complete.
“We would like to thank our dedicated team and loyal customers for their support over the years, and we look forward to the next chapter and the added strength and opportunities this partnership will bring.”
Bluecoat is the second business acquired by WH Scott Group in a KBS-advised deal in just over six months, following the addition of Workplace Inspection Services to its testing, inspection and certification division.
WH Scott Group is backed by Dublin-based private equity firm Renatus Capital Partners.
Sean Mulvihill, director of Re-Ropes, explained: “For almost 40 years, Re-Ropes has focused on keeping the UK's lifts moving safely and reliably. Bluecoat brings the car, the landings and the fabricated components that sit around our work, so together we can offer our customers a far more complete refurbishment service.
“Just as importantly, Graham, Michael, Ray and their team share our values of quality, reliability and genuine customer service. I'm looking forward to working together and to the opportunities this creates for our customers and our people.”
Joe Darbyshire of KBS Corporate added: “It was a pleasure to assist on the acquisition of Bluecoat Engineering. I'm confident the business is in great hands under the new ownership and I would like to wish the team all the very best moving forward.”