Chirton Engineering, a North Shields-based precision engineering firm, has been sold to Tewkesbury-based Deca Group for a cash consideration of £650,000, with a further £200,000 deferred over two years. The disposal, completed on a cash-free and debt-free basis, marks the end of Fevara Plc's strategic review and its exit from the engineering sector.
Background and Growth
Chirton Engineering was founded in 2004 in a small 500 sq ft unit with just four employees. It has since grown into a renowned precision engineering business, providing manufacturing solutions for customers in the oil and gas, sub-sea, nuclear, and renewables sectors. By 2025, the company employed 81 people.
In 2014, Chirton was acquired by Carr's Group, a listed food and agriculture business that has since rebranded as Fevara Plc. The deal saw Fevara acquire the entire share capital of Chirton for £2.75 million, with an additional £2.55 million payable subject to certain conditions over the following five years.
Strategic Review and Divestments
In 2022, Fevara announced a strategic review of its three divisions: agricultural supplies, agriculture, and engineering. The review concluded that the group should focus on its higher-margin, differentiated agriculture and engineering divisions, which have international customer bases and recognised market-leading brands, while recognising limited practical opportunities for synergies across the divisions.
As a first step, Fevara sold its agricultural supplies division for £44.5 million in October 2022. In 2025, it sold a large chunk of its engineering division in a £75 million deal, but Chirton was not included. Fevara noted that Chirton contributed around 15% of the total engineering division revenue in FY24, prompting a separate sale process for the North East business.
Completion of the Sale
Now, Fevara has announced the disposal of Chirton Engineering Ltd, its sole remaining engineering business. The business, which reported a turnover of £6.89 million in its most recent accounts, has been sold to Deca Group. Directors said the disposal completes the group's strategic review to refocus and streamline the organisation, leaving Fevara entirely focused on its long-term strategy as an international livestock specialist, underpinned by its core strategic pillars, aiming to drive disciplined, sustainable growth and enhance returns for shareholders.
Joshua Hoopes, CEO of Fevara plc, said: “We are delighted to have achieved the final milestone in our strategic journey to simplify our operations and focus the business as a pure play international specialist in livestock supplements. We have a clear strategy for sustainable and profitable growth, and the Group is well positioned to continue to drive long-term value for all stakeholders.”
