Dains Corporate Finance and Tax teams have advised Derbyshire-based Core Control Solutions Ltd on its successful sale to Ipsum Group, a specialist engineering services provider. The acquisition of Core Controls, renowned for its expertise in network integration, control and automation, marks a significant advance in Ipsum’s ambitions for expansion within the sector.
Core Controls brings with it a wealth of multi-sector experience, particularly in the installation and maintenance of control systems that ensure the safe and efficient operation of renewable energy projects, tunnels, and airports. The acquisition adds further specialist capabilities and a team of experts to the IK Partners-backed business.
Ipsum operates from more than 30 hubs across the UK, including its headquarters in Chorley and locations in the North West, South East, Scotland, and the Midlands. The enhanced skills, experience, and capabilities of Ipsum and Core Controls will provide clients with an even broader range of integrated services.
Andrew Cowan, CEO at Ipsum, commented: “Our latest acquisition marks another key moment in the Ipsum growth story. It also reinforces our commitment to driving resilient Power and Water infrastructure for communities and businesses across the UK.
“By uniting Ipsum’s existing specialist engineering capabilities with Core Controls, we’re strengthening our ability to deliver end-to-end solutions for our clients more seamlessly and efficiently, whilst also allowing us to deploy our existing skills into additional infrastructure sectors.
“I’m excited to welcome the whole Core Controls team to Ipsum and look forward to what we can achieve together.”
Mark Brown, Director at Core Controls, said: “Joining forces with Ipsum marks an exciting new chapter for Core Controls. We are proud of what we’ve built over the years and are thrilled to become part of a team that shares our values of innovation, quality, and service excellence.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver even greater value to our clients and opens up new opportunities for growth and collaboration across the Power and Water sectors.
“We’re delighted to be part of the Ipsum journey and look forward to working together to build a stronger, more integrated future.”
Core Controls were supported by Roy Farmer, Sophie Rogers, Ollie Cooper and Sarah White at Dains Accountants, alongside Rob Hughes and Andrew Shipley at M&S Solicitors. Roy Farmer, Corporate Finance Partner at Dains, led the advisory team supporting Core Controls throughout the transaction. Farmer said: “Core Control Solutions is a high-quality business with a strong track record in delivering automation and control solutions for complex environments. It’s been a pleasure working with the team and helping them find a strategic partner in Ipsum that shares their ambition and values. The deal represents an exciting new chapter for the business and its people.”
Ipsum were advised by Squire Patton Boggs, led by Paul Mann and Vicky Jew, and Grant Thornton, led by Neil Robinson.
