After announcing the acquisition of Forfar-based Alliance Electrical in December, Graeme Carling, who also bought troubled building services company McGill in 2019, has re-launched his investment company United Capital as the parent company of both businesses, with an ambitious plan to grow rapidly.
Dundee-based building services company McGill has started the new year by announcing the appointment of a new Managing Director, Douglas Thomson, a vastly experienced industry expert who joins McGill having spent 19 years as Managing Director of one of Scotland’s leading construction companies, Aberdeenshire-based CHAP Group.
McGill, which was rescued from administration by entrepreneur Graeme Carling in March 2019, continues to grow and re-establish itself as one of the top building services businesses in Scotland, having recently won several multi-million-pound contracts. Owner and current Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Carling commented:
“I am delighted to have Douglas join us at this important and exciting time. When I bought McGill I always said my position as CEO was temporary but that I would remain at the helm until we found the ideal candidate, this business needs a strong and capable leader. We went through a lengthy and rigorous selection process and I am confident that we have found the right person.
“Douglas is an exceptionally qualified and experienced Managing Director who will utilise his vast knowledge to ensure the further development of McGill through the next phase of growth, he will have my full support and that of our board. I am excited for what we will achieve in 2020 and beyond.”
Thomson, a Civil Engineer professional is tasked with building on the successful turnaround of McGill which saw over 70 employees recruited into the business and the opening of Glasgow and Aberdeen depots in 2019. Speaking of his appointment Thomson commented:
“McGill is a well-known and well-respected name in the industry, and I am looking forward to the challenge. The company achieved a lot in the 9 months since Graeme Carling saved it and I will look to build on this immediately. The team at McGill are some of the best in the sector and I am certain we will continue to grow the business.”
In December, McGill owner, Graeme Carling announced that he had completed his second company purchase of 2019 by acquiring Forfar-based Alliance Electrical. The acquisition signals the intent of Graeme Carling’s investment company, United Capital which is the parent company of both businesses.
United Capital has been re-launched with a clear goal and strategy, to acquire UK based building services and facilities management companies with a collective turnover of £300million in the next 3 years.
Graeme Carling, in his capacity as United Capital CEO added:
“The opportunities to consolidate the fragmented UK building services sector are plentiful and United Capital will identify and acquire well-performing companies in this sector. The appointment of a new MD at McGill allows me to focus on driving activity at our group level and focus on getting the deals done. We are actively engaged and at advanced legal stages with companies with a collective turnover of over £50million and these are all expected to complete in the first half of 2020.”
About United Capital
United Capital is an investment group which is consolidating the fragmented UK building services and facilities management sector by acquiring well-performing, profitable companies, operating in the sector, who have a strong management team and clear growth strategies.
United Capital, through an established network of agents, brokers and solid marketing, identify and target companies operating in our target sector. Our strict criteria targets companies which are consistently delivering annual turnover of between £10- £30million, achieve strong profit levels and are currently delivering large-scale public-sector contracts for Government, NHS, MoD, Local Council Authorities and Housing Associations.
Further information is available at www.united-capital.co.uk. Follow United Capital on LinkedIn or YouTube
Media Contact
Fraser Kirk: Communications & Marketing Director – fraser.kirk@united-capital.co.uk | 07531 090912
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