Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance advises Mactech Energy Group on its sale to Assystem SA

3 February 2025 / Insight posted in Articles

Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance has advised Mactech Energy Group, a leading workforce solutions provider in the civil nuclear, renewable and regulated sectors, on its sale to Assystem SA.

Mactech is one of the largest specialist recruitment providers of technical workforce, planning process and project solutions to nuclear new build construction in the UK.

Two of their most noteworthy projects are Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C, the two new nuclear power stations under construction in Somerset and East Suffolk under the government’s Nuclear Strategy.

Assystem SA is a leading global nuclear engineering group specialising in energy transition, headquartered in Courbevoie, France.

Assystem is an ideal strategic buyer for Mactech. With its scale and focus, Assystem can unlock larger opportunities for Mactech both in the UK and internationally. Mactech’s unmatched network of skilled UK-based resources will enhance Assystem’s ability to deliver on construction projects in the new build, decommissioning and defence nuclear sectors.

Following this acquisition, Mactech will continue to operate as an independent company, retaining its brand, offices and market position under the ownership of Assystem.

Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance undertook a comprehensive review of the purchaser landscape, highlighting the value that Mactech could bring to the right strategic partner, in this case, the large nuclear consultancy businesses who were likely to offer a greater multiple than traditional staffing businesses.

This approach targeted a range of potential buyers, including strategic fits with acquisitive recruitment businesses and nuclear-focused engineering and consultancy companies in the UK and overseas.

Throughout the process, Moore Kingston Smith collaborated with a diverse range of international potential buyers, helping each to understand Mactech’s market niche and unique service offerings, particularly for non-specialist recruitment businesses. This technique helped maximise Mactech’s business valuation.

The Corporate Finance team was led by Stephen Orriss, supported by Matt McRae and Matt Edwards. Mel Reed, Tom Acland and Charlotte Henriksen provided M&A tax support on the transaction.

Andrew McFarlane, Managing Director at Mactech Energy Group, commented: “By joining forces with Assystem, Mactech is better positioned than ever to create meaningful career opportunities and deliver high-value services to our customers. This partnership will help accelerate progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the UK.”

“Selecting the right corporate advisers was one of the most pivotal decisions in the journey of selling my business, and partnering with Stephen Orriss, Matt McRae and his outstanding team proved to be the best choice we could have made. Their meticulous attention to detail, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication were instrumental in turning this deal into a reality. More than just trusted advisers, Stephen and his team became true partners and friends throughout the process – relationships I deeply value and hope to continue in the years to come.”

Stephen Orriss, Corporate Finance Partner at Moore Kingston Smith, said:  “Working with Andrew and his team at Mactech has been a pleasure. Their talent, drive and determination coupled with their openness to ideas helped us find the right partner for the business and deliver a great transaction. Mactech can now look forward to bigger opportunities with Assystem as a partner, strengthening their ability to support the green energy transition in the UK and internationally.”

Get in touch

How did you hear about us?

reCAPTCHA