Fox Group makes second acquisition since Stellex Capital backing

Blackpool headquartered Fox Brothers Holdings has bought NMS Civil Engineering, an established contractor in the Northwest with key activities in road planing, recycling, civil engineering and barriers.

This acquisition, effective September 2025, marks another significant step in the Fox Group’s journey towards transforming the company into a fully integrated circular construction materials business, aiming to deliver sustainable solutions to the construction industry.

It is the second acquisition by the Fox Group since being bought by Stellex Capital Management in September 2024 and is fully aligned with the business strategy in an effort to drive both organic and inorganic growth.

NMS is a key regional player in circular construction and the acquisition is expected to drive synergies for the Fox Group, including the use of recycled asphalt planings within the Asphalt production process, with their new £4m Leyland Asphalt plant opened in July 2025. 

Paul Fox, chief executive of the Fox Group, said: “This is an extremely exciting time for the company and this acquisition will build on our recent expansion and further broaden our circular offering to customers bringing our annual use of recycled products close to 2 million tonnes. 

"NMS has a strong management team, and we welcome them and their colleagues as we continue with our growth plans. 

"We are committed to a smooth transition for the teams and customers of NMS and we anticipate success and growth through this synergistic partnership.”

Roger Thistlethwaite, director at NMS, added: “Joining the Fox Group will enable us to work with their expansive network and resources, providing significant opportunity to grow and meet the increasing demand for RAP. 

"The support and partnership from the team at the Fox Group will help further our mission to drive circularity and sustainability throughout our business.”

Hill Dickinson served as the legal counsel for the Fox Group and Close Brothers supported with finance as with previous transactions.  RSM advised NMS on the sale.

Lancashire Business View reported in July about the Fox Group acquiring J Fisher & Sons, a key player in heavy haulage, road planing and asphalt reprocessing in the Northwest.

The Fox Group operates 16 sites and depots and has around 600 employees.