The acquisition, which will see REL operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of QTS, brings the company into the Renew Holdings plc family of businesses, which QTS joined in 2018.

REL adds overhead line electrification (OHLE) capability to the QTS offering, which already includes vegetation management, drainage, civil engineering and fencing, all supported by an innovative plant fleet. QTS also currently supplies isolation teams for clients across the UK, making REL the perfect fit for natural business progression.

All of the REL team, including the management trio of Scott Kernachan, Mark Potts and Kenny Barr, will join QTS at its Scottish HQ in Drumclog, South Lanarkshire.

REL was founded in 2015 by managing director Scott Kernachan and is now a leading provider of OHLE, working across the UK for clients such as Costain, ABC, Crossrail and Hochteif.

Alan McLeish, managing director of QTS Group, said: “QTS has grown rapidly over the last decade and, in order for us to continue that growth, we knew we needed to add to our already impressive portfolio of capabilities. The next natural step was electrification, which allows us to give a fully rounded service to our clients.

“By adding REL to the QTS Group, we are joining forces with a leading business in this area, which will be a great benefit to the work that we deliver for our clients.

“I am looking forward to integrating the REL team into QTS and to welcoming Scott onto the board of directors.”

Scott Kernachan added: “Through this deal, we are opening up the future of REL to even greater possibilities. As QTS already has its Principal Contractor license, and a number of frameworks in place, it really transforms the opportunities available for us as experts in electrification.

“It also opens up more prospects for our employees, which was an important factor in the sale. As a small business, the opportunity for progression was limited, however this acquisition will allow the ability for individual growth and career development.

“I’ve always admired the way QTS operates and its ethos is very similar to what we have at REL, so I am confident it will be a great fit for us and for our clients.”