RSM UK advises on next strategic acquisition for Lanes Group

RSM UK has advised national drainage and wastewater utility specialist Lanes Group on its acquisition of North West septic tank specialist S&C Foster, supporting the company’s strategic growth plans in the UK utility market.

Lanes Group is a national drainage company providing services for utility, rail, local government, transportation, construction, telecoms and domestic sectors.

The company was established in Leeds in 1992, and is now made up of a network of 25 locations in the UK, with a workforce of more than 4,000 people.

Founded in 1990, Preston-based S&C Foster provides both domestic and commercial tanker, jetting and liquid removal services in Lancashire and the surrounding regions. 

 The acquisition will support Lanes Group’s ambitions for UK expansion, bringing together two strategically aligned businesses, bolstering Lanes Group’s existing commercial activity in the North West.

 RSM’s deal team managed the acquisition, led by James Wild and Rikesh Patel, with support from Ben Everson and Austin Halewood. Mills & Reeve provided legal advice.

This transaction marks the second buy-side sale for Lanes Group advised by RSM this year, following the company’s acquisition of Clear-flow in February.

 Rikesh Patel, corporate finance director at RSM, said: “The team at RSM was delighted to advise Lanes Group on another successful transaction which supports the company’s strategic growth plans, especially in the North West.

"Bringing together two closely aligned businesses will help to strengthen the company’s national presence in the UK utility market. Our ongoing relationship with Lanes Group also demonstrates our commitment and capability to deliver for our clients in the middle market.”

Wayne Earnshaw, chief executive officer at Lanes Group, said: “This is a fantastic step forward for both companies. Welcoming S&C Foster to the Lanes Group family reflects our ongoing commitment to growth and collaboration. Together, we are building on strong foundations to create even more opportunities for the future.”

It comes after Lancashire Business View reported how RSM UK appointed Eoin Gribben as a business transformation director as part of the firm’s growing national consulting team.

Eoin’s had spent the last 10 years in deal advisory working with large corporates and private equity companies across a range of industries.