BPE joins On Line Group

UK ENGINEERING consultancy BPE has been bought by On Line Group, an integrated engineering services firm based in Lincolnshire.

BPE, which is headquartered in Hampshire, will continue to operate as a specialised technology-focussed chemical and process engineering consultancy, On Line Group said. It added that the acquisition will add capability in feasibility studies, concept and front-end designs; and will allow the combined firms to expand offerings across sectors and the UK.

Noel Quigley, Managing Director at BPE said: “Since our founder and major shareholder, Mike Brown, retired, the board has been looking for a new parent company to support the business with its growth strategy. It was important that any new arrangement would retain BPE’s well-known, trusted brand that has been developed over many years. It was also important to grow the business, creating new opportunities, and the parentage of On Line Group provides the perfect solution.

Steve Laird, On Line Group Finance Director, said: “On Line Group has been looking for opportunities to diversify into new sectors and increase our geographical spread across the UK. BPE and On Line Group are a good match, sharing the same core values and providing excellent growth opportunities for both businesses.”

The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.