British Engines Bolsters Group with Strategic Acquisition of 42 Technology
In a significant move for the engineering sector, Tyneside-based British Engines has announced the acquisition of Cambridge consultancy 42 Technology Group. This undisclosed deal expands the British Engines portfolio to nine companies, integrating a specialist in product development with a turnover of approximately £10 million.
Maintaining Independence and Brand Identity
Following the acquisition, 42 Technology will continue to operate as an independent consultancy under its own brand, with its current leadership team remaining in place. British Engines Group has emphasized its commitment to preserving 42T's position as a trusted partner to global brands, ambitious start-ups, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Dr Jon Spratley, CEO of 42 Technology, commented: "Joining British Engines Group will help power 42T’s future growth and allow us to build on the strong foundations we already have as a company. It’s a major step forward for our business, but we will continue operating exactly as before and nothing will change day-to-day for our clients, strategic partners, internal team or suppliers."
Strategic Synergies and Growth Opportunities
The acquisition is expected to enable 42 Technology to pursue larger and more ambitious projects, leveraging British Engines' global reach and investment capacity. British Engines, a Newcastle-based manufacturer of specialized industrial equipment such as high-pressure valves and hydraulic motors, will gain access to 42T's expertise in areas including:
- Industrial edge AI
- Sensing and automation
- Intelligent systems
Alex Lamb, chairman of British Engines Group, stated: "42 Technology brings a highly complementary set of strengths into British Engines Group. Their consultancy expertise, front-end innovation, and strong track record in solving complex, multi-disciplinary problems make them the ideal strategic fit for our group."
He added that these capabilities align with the group's long-term ambitions and will be invaluable for other companies within the British Engines portfolio, which includes firms like BEL Valves, CMP, and Rotary Power, as they seek to enhance their world-class manufacturing processes.
Financial Performance and Operational Details
The latest available accounts for 42 Technology Group Limited, covering 2024, reveal that the 25-year-old business generated an operating profit of nearly £848,000 on a turnover of £10.8 million. The firm employs 53 people and serves clients across the UK, Europe, and the United States, working primarily in the energy, medtech, and industrial sectors.
Broader Context and Future Plans
This acquisition follows British Engines' recent planning application to develop a derelict plot on the Parsons Works site in Byker, Newcastle. The 1,600-strong business aims to construct a factory on the Shields Road site, which has been vacant since approximately 2009 after being part of the neighboring Siemens Energy plant.
In documents submitted to Newcastle City Council, British Engines outlined proposals for a three-storey office unit alongside two smaller factory buildings. This development marks a renewed effort after previous plans for the Shields Road site were scrapped, indicating the group's ongoing expansion and investment in its manufacturing capabilities.
The acquisition of 42 Technology represents a strategic enhancement of British Engines' offerings, combining traditional manufacturing prowess with cutting-edge product development consultancy to drive innovation and growth in the competitive engineering landscape.
