The largest construction materials trader in the UK has acquired one of what is said to be London’s most successful and diverse companies serving the construction, quarrying and waste sectors.
S Walsh & Sons, which partners with the major infrastructure companies for the removal, haulage, handling and recycling of construction and waste materials, has been acquired by GRS Group which was among the highest climbers the Sunday Times top track 250 growth companies in 2017.
The acquisition provides GRS with access to key strategic locations in the heart of the capital 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.
Jon Fisher, GRS chief executive says Walsh is a great fit for GRS.
“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,” he says.
“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.”
Having worked on virtually all of the capital’s major infrastructure schemes, Walsh employs around 175 people across London and the south-east. The acquisition takes the total number of GRS employees beyond 800.
The two businesses will operate more than 50 sites and are expected to handle over 20 million tonnes of construction aggregate and other materials each year.
Walsh will continue to operate as a stand-alone business, joining forces with GRS when it’s advantageous for customers to do so.
Walsh directors Nick Walsh, Westley Pickup, Richard Walsh and Tim Wheeler will continue to operate the business day-to-day.
Nick Walsh said of the deal: “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.”
