A Barrow-based engineering business has been acquired.

M Group Services has completed the acquisition of BGEN Ltd, one of the UK's largest independent technical engineering solutions businesses.

The acquisition includes BGEN's subsidiaries.

BGEN provides solutions in regulated end markets including power and energy, water, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors.

The company supports clients in building and optimising assets, contributing to carbon footprint reduction to meet net-zero targets.

The acquisition will allow M Group Services to advance its engineering solutions in the energy, water, telecom, and transport sectors.

The acquisition will also help the company to expand into new markets served by BGEN.

BGEN serves a range of clients, including National Grid, Thames Water, Scottish Water, and Anglian Water, who also have partnerships with M Group Services.

M Group Services has committed to investing in BGEN, focusing on workforce growth, training programmes, and skill enhancement.

Andrew Findlay, chief executive of M Group Services, said: "BGEN is a business with a long trading heritage and an excellent reputation and culture that aligns with our own.

"In line with our strategy, the acquisition of BGEN significantly enhances the technical engineering capability of M Group Services, significantly deepening our ability to provide expert solutions for our existing clients and broad range of new clients, for today and in the future.

"Together we are even better placed to support the energy transition to net zero, leading the way in maintaining and enhancing essential infrastructure that is continually adapting to a rapidly changing world.

"I am very pleased to welcome the BGEN team to the M Group Services family."

BGEN is the second acquisition made by M Group Services this year.

Robin Whitehead, chief executive of BGEN, said: "Joining M Group Services represents the most significant step in our trading history to date and an exciting opportunity for our people, clients and partners alike.

"Our focus remains on bringing excellence to engineering, helping to keep businesses, industries and economies moving forward with a safety-first approach.

"Our joint expertise will provide a wealth of specialist engineering services across multiple sectors, help us to deliver even more effectively for our clients and achieve our own growth ambitions."

Dominic Murphy, managing partner and co-head of the UK team at the private equity owners of M Group Services, CVC, said: "We are delighted the M Group Services team has secured this transformational deal with BGEN as part of its ambitious growth strategy.

"It is the first since CVC completed the transaction to buy M Group Services, earlier this year."