Engineering contracting and recruitment specialist the NRL Group has acquired Runcorn-based Akona Limited and Akona Concepts Ltd, broadening its rail services portfolio and creating a strong platform for future growth.
The family-owned businesses have built a strong reputation in the rail sector for their training and qualification programmes and overhead line electrification services. These new capabilities complement the NRL Group’s existing rail operations and will extend the range of specialist services it can provide to clients.
For more than 20 years, NRL Rail has supported the UK rail network through maintenance, safety-critical services and the introduction of new operational solutions. Its existing services include asset inspection, ultrasonic testing, rail grinding and private track maintenance.
Bringing the businesses together will combine the NRL Group’s established rail experience with Akona’s specialist expertise, creating opportunities to develop an expanded and more comprehensive rail services offering.
The NRL Group CEO David Redmayne welcomed Akona’s colleagues to the Group:
“We’re delighted to welcome the Akona team to the NRL Group and look forward to working closely with them to understand their operations and support the continued growth of the business.
“Our Rail business has developed significantly in recent years under the leadership of Director Brett Hawke. Bringing Akona’s specialist training and overhead line electrification expertise into the Group represents an exciting next step for both businesses and further strengthens the range of services we can offer to the rail sector.”
Akona’s former owners, Steve and Gaynor Ashley, added:
“We’re delighted to have found a buyer that shares our values and puts people and safety at the heart of its business. The NRL Group understands the rail sector and has built a respected operation within the industry, providing a safe pair of hands to protect and develop Akona’s trusted services.”
Marktlink’s Manchester office, led by Jonny Parkinson, acted as lead advisers to the shareholders of Akona throughout the sale, alongside Butcher & Barlow, led by Tom Newman, who provided legal support. NRL’s legal adviser was Brabners, led by Mark Warburton, Megan Dent and Sam Mabon.