Civils contractor Roadbridge UK collapses
The firm responsible for the installation of more than 11 miles of cable for the Seagreen wind farm pipeline off the Angus coast has been placed in receivership.
![Civils contractor Roadbridge UK collapses](https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/uploads/Roadbridgepic.jpg)
Roadbridge UK, a subsidiary of Republic of Ireland-based Roadbridge Ltd, cited financial difficulties for the collapse.
Nigel Morrison, Stuart Preston and Philip Stephenson, all partners of Grant Thornton, have been appointed as joint administrators of Roadbridge UK.
Administrators from Grant Thornton have also been appointed for the parent company.
The company employed approximately 215 employees in the UK, with more than half based in Bellshill.
According to the Irish Independent, Roadbridge owed the Bank of Ireland €35 million and had previously appointed IBI Corporate Finance to find a buyer or investor.
“It is with great regret that, as a result of insurmountable financial challenges, the board of Roadbridge Holdings Ltd announces that it has requested Bank of Ireland to appoint receivers to the company,” the company said.
Roadbridge chairman Aidan Murphy said: “We have been working tirelessly for the last number of months to find a solution to the grave challenges faced by the company. My fellow directors and I greatly regret having to take this step, but unfortunately, it was the only possible option at this time. The board recognise the support of all our stakeholders, including our bank, Bank of Ireland, in difficult circumstances as the directors explored every opportunity to save the company. We are committed to working closely with the receivers now in order to get the best possible outcome for employees, creditors and stakeholders.”
Rob Parker, director at Grant Thornton, said: “It is very disappointing that efforts to save the company and other companies within the RBL group from insolvency were not successful. Our efforts now turn to supporting the company’s employees during this difficult time.”
Mr Parker said the administrators would also be “seeking to maximise asset realisations for the benefit of the company’s creditors”, adding: “We are currently assessing whether it is possible to salvage some or all of the business and invite any interested parties to get in touch.”
He confirmed operations have ceased while the administrators explore the available options.
The Seagreen wind farm pipeline runs from Carnoustie to the proposed substation at Tealing.
It is central to the £3 billion joint venture between Totalenergies and SSE Renewables, which is scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2023.
A spokesman for Seagreen Wind Energy said: “We wholly appreciate the news regarding Roadbridge will be of concern to some of our sub-contractors.
“We are working with Nexans to fully understand the implications to Roadbridge’s suppliers and any risks to the delivery of their scope on Seagreen and how these can be appropriately mitigated.”