Wallace Whittle buys Davie + McCulloch in deal
Wallace Whittle, an environmental engineering consultancy, has recently completed the acquisition of Davie + McCulloch, a Glasgow-based building services consultancy and mechanical and electrical (M&E) engineering firm. This acquisition signifies a significant achievement in Wallace Whittle’s strategic expansion plan, which has already seen a remarkable increase in organic turnover from £8 million to over £14 million since the management buyout in 2021. Allan McGill, the managing director of Wallace Whittle, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this strategic move, stating, “This acquisition is the next step in our growth strategy. Davie + McCulloch’s well-established presence in sectors such as higher education, secure accommodation, and defence nicely complements our existing expertise and allows us to extend our exceptional services to a broader client base.”
Financed entirely through the company’s internal funds, the deal includes maintaining all of Davie + McCulloch’s existing staff. In order to ensure a seamless transition and maintain consistent project quality and client service levels, the Davie + McCulloch brand will remain intact in the short to medium term. McGill further emphasized the rationale behind this acquisition, emphasizing, “The opportunity to acquire a company as esteemed and reputable as Davie + McCulloch was an easy decision for the board due to their sector expertise, performance, profitability, and quality-driven approach, which align perfectly with Wallace Whittle’s core values.” With the addition of Davie + McCulloch, Wallace Whittle anticipates surpassing a turnover of £15 million in the year 2025, while also expanding its workforce to 160 employees across its eight offices in the UK. Additional growth is on the horizon for 2025, with plans to open two new offices in strategic regions.
McGill concluded by stating, “While we have achieved significant success through organic growth post the 2021 management buyout, this acquisition accelerates our growth plans by injecting top-tier talent and an extensive client network, further solidifying our standing in the market. We are eager to enhance our presence in the UK and remain open to exploring additional acquisitions or partnerships.” Wallace Whittle’s recent project portfolio spans various sectors including MOD, healthcare, higher education, residential, data centers, and leisure. A new ESG team has also been integrated into the existing ESG & sustainability teams, working collaboratively with Wallace Whittle’s mechanical, electrical, and public health (MEP) teams.
In conclusion, Wallace Whittle’s acquisition of Davie + McCulloch represents a strategic move aimed at expanding the company’s capabilities, strengthening its client base, and solidifying its industry reputation. This acquisition sets the stage for further growth and development as Wallace Whittle continues to position itself as a leader in the field of environmental engineering consultancy.
