Macdonald Henderson has advised SPG Fire & Security ( the Galashiels-based firm) on the acquisition of the fire and security division of McGill Facilities Management, from the company’s administrators Leonard Curtis.
SPG will continue operations and service the division’s current customer base. The transaction secures a number of jobs in the target business.
McGill Facilities Management has been working in the commercial and public sector for more than 40 years – offering contractor, refurbishment and fit-out specialist services.
But the business – having previously been brought out of administration – came under financial pressure again due to a combination of factors caused by the pandemic, a number of loss-making contracts and material price inflation.
The refurbishment and fit out firm first went into administration in February 2019, with the loss of 374 jobs. It was then acquired by United Capital, which backed a strategy of expansion and acquisition.
But earlier this month, McGill submitted a notice of intent to the Court of Session to appoint administrators – with expectations that most of the remaining 120 jobs would be lost.
However, with Barry Stewart and George Lafferty of Leonard Curtis being appointed joint administrators on 25 August, McGill’s fire and security division has become the subject of a pre-pack administration.
About Macdonald Henderson, SPG Managing Director Simon Gillie commented:
“We are indebted to Macdonald Henderson, in particular Ryan Macready and David Beveridge for all their help, support and advice in securing this acquisition.
Their professionalism and proactive approach allowed this to be concluded within a very short timescale. Without their efficiency jobs would have been lost and SPG deprived of this exciting opportunity”.
