Blackpool-based construction materials distributor Fox Brothers Holdings (The Fox Group) has acquired North West contractor NMS Civil Engineering, which specialises in road planing, recycling, civil engineering and barriers.
Announcing the deal, Fox Group, which runs 16 sites and employs around 600 staff, said the acquisition marks a “significant step” in the group’s plan to become a fully integrated, circular construction materials business.
This is the second acquisition by FoxGroup since the company was bought by US private equity firm Stellex Capital Management in September 2024. The move is part of a wider business strategy to drive both organic and inorganic growth at the company.
It follows Fox Group’s purchase of J Fisher & Sons, a North West heavy haulage, road planing and asphalt reprocessing company, for an undisclosed sum, in June this year.
Fox Group said NMS, which has its headquarters in Wigan, is a key regional player in circular construction.
The group added that the acquisition, which is for an undisclosed sum, is expected to drive synergies for the group, including the use of recycled asphalt planings (RAP).
(L-R) Roger Thistlethwaite, MD NMS Civil Engineering; Paul Fox, CEO Fox Group; John Flood, executive director Fox Group
Paul Fox, Fox Group chief executive, said: “This is an extremely exciting time for the company and this acquisition will build on our recent expansion and further broaden our circular offering to customers bringing our annual use of recycled products close to two million tonnes.
“NMS has a strong management team, and we welcome them and their colleagues as we continue with our growth plans. We are committed to a smooth transition for the teams and customers of NMS and we anticipate success and growth through this synergistic partnership.”
Roger Thistlethwaite, NMS director, added: “Joining the Fox Group will enable us to work with their expansive network and resources, providing significant opportunity to grow and meet the increasing demand for RAP.
“The support and partnership from the team at the Fox Group will help further our mission to drive circularity and sustainability throughout our business.”
Hill Dickinson served as the legal counsel for the Fox Group and Close Brothers supported with finance as with previous transactions. RSM advised NMS on the sale.
