GEG Capital swoops for high-voltage cable contractor APS

St Helens-based APS specialises high-voltage cable jointing and commissioning up to 132kV. The firm works across power networks, infrastructure and energy projects, and is now aiming to grow its footprint in the onshore and offshore wind sectors.

All existing staff will be retained under the deal, and the company plans to double its workforce over the next year as it gears up to meet rising demand for grid connection and commissioning services.

GEG Capital is the investment arm of Global Energy Group (GEG), a diversified Scottish industrial services group with operations across ports, engineering, logistics and renewable energy.

Headquartered in Inverness, GEG owns and operates the Port of Nigg on the Cromarty Firth, one of the UK’s key fabrication and marshalling facilities for offshore wind and energy projects.

The acquisition of APS includes 100% of shares from founder Paul Oakes. Managing director Gerry Donnelly and the current leadership team will stay on to lead the company’s expansion under new ownership.

Martin MacRae, managing director of GEG Capital, said: “APS has an excellent reputation for quality and reliability in high-voltage work. This acquisition supports our strategy to back specialist contractors delivering essential infrastructure for the UK’s net zero future.”

Donnelly added: “We’ve always focused on delivering dependable, high-quality services. Now, with GEG Capital’s backing, we’re in a great position to grow and meet the increasing demand in the grid and renewables space.”

The deal puts APS on track to play a bigger role in the commissioning of transmission infrastructure for wind farms, battery projects and network reinforcement schemes.