Founded in 1986, Stirling-based Albion has a strong track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects across Scotland.

Van Elle said Albion was a strategically aligned bolt-on acquisition that expanded its presence both geographically and in expertise in quarry and close-proximity blasting, marine drilling, ground stabilisation and rock anchoring.

Albion’s track record in the energy sector also aligns with Van Elle’s strategy, where the group is currently delivering two energy infrastructure schemes in Scotland and expects to mobilise further, larger schemes in early 2025.

For the year ended 31 January 2024, Albion delivered revenue of £5.5m, an EBITDA of £1.0m and profit before tax of £0.8m. Net assets at the same date were £2.6m. The group’s assessment of the market valuation of net assets acquired exceeds the total consideration of £3.5m.

The new acquisition will be aligned to Van Elle’s specialist piling division, which shares a similar operating model. The group will co-locate its facilities at Stirling and integrate its resources to grow its Scotland-based capability to meet the demand of a series of major long-term opportunities.

The move will see Albion managing director Jim King and 31 staff become part of the Van Elle Group with Mr King assuming a wider role as Van Elle’s director for Scotland, reporting to chief operating officer, Malcolm O’Sullivan.

Van Elle chief executive Mark Cutler said: ‘‘The acquisition of Albion represents an exciting and important step towards the delivery of our growth strategy in the energy sector. It also broadens the group’s range of specialist capabilities and customer base. Albion is a highly regarded specialist contractor with complementary capabilities and an experienced workforce who will fit perfectly into the Group’s operating structure. May I welcome Jim King our new Scotland director, and all Albion employees to the Van Elle Group.”