OCU Group acquires Scottish civil engineering firm RJ McLeod

Based out of Glasgow, RJ McLeod has a 70-year history of delivering complex engineering solutions to a range of clients in Scotland.

The acquisition boosts OCU Group revenues to over £800 million and grows the capability and capacity for work in supporting the UK energy transition. It also enhances OCU’s market positions in areas such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), wind power, hydropower, substation construction and grid reinforcement.

RJ McLeod will continue to operate under the same name, with the same staff, same locations, and same work.

Over a number of years, RJ McLeod has increasingly focused on renewable energy, particularly with regards to onshore wind developments such as the Viking and South Kyle wind farms. This work is a vital part of the Scottish Government’s target to create 20GW of onshore wind capacity by 2030.

Beyond wind farms, RJ McLeod also has specialist capabilities in battery storage and hydroelectric projects as well as in grid and substation construction. The business also has a strong market presence across the Scottish marine sector, having completed a number of transformative projects in recent years, as well as being a key provider for other civil engineering services such as roads, flood prevention and coastal protection.

“The RJ McLeod acquisition marks a key milestone in the OCU Group journey to become the leading energy transition and utilities contractor in the UK,” said Michael Hughes, CEO of OCU Group.

He added: “RJ McLeod has built an unrivalled engineering expertise and reputation which now further strengthen our offering to clients. The breadth and depth of OCU and RJ McLeod’s delivery capability provides us with more strategic options when delivering end-to-end programmes for our valued clients.

“Together, we are well placed to lead the way in the UK’s energy transition delivery.”

On completion of the acquisition Bruce Clark, joint MD of RJ McLeod, said: “Since the business was founded by Roderick John MacLeod in 1951, we have carried the ethos of enabling people to give their best and we are very proud of the team that has brought us to where the business is today.

“Looking forward we see even greater opportunities to maintain and grow the impact of our people and delivery for our clients within the OCU Group family.”

Graeme Clark, joint MD of RJ McLeod, added: “RJ McLeod has been operating across mainland Scotland, the Western and Northern Isles for more than 70 years.

“Specialising in civil engineering, often related to complex projects, we have established a valued client base. We believe that joining OCU Group today has increased our ability to provide a more comprehensive service to existing and new clients.”

OCU Group was advised on the acquisition by a team from international law firm Addleshaw Goddard.

The AG team comprised, amongst others, Paul Medlicott, Ben Davies, Beth Nixon and Melissa Chaplow (Corporate), Gillian Hutchison and Hannah Magrath (Employment) and Heather Gibson (Tax).