Freeths advises on sale of BGF-backed Hydrock

National law firm Freeths has advised the shareholders of BGF-backed Hydrock, a leading integrated engineering design, energy and sustainability consultancy, on its sale to Stantec, a listed global leader in sustainable design and engineering.

Founded 29 years ago by Brian McConnell, Hydrock brings sustainable solutions to infrastructure projects and landmark buildings across the UK through engineering design, energy and sustainability consultancy. 
Freeths and Hydrock have had a long-lasting professional relationship and the two firms embody similar culture and values. Freeths supported Hydrock in taking investment from BGF in 2018 and it has had a period of strong and sustainable growth since then with Freeths having supported Hydrock on both its organic and acquisitive growth during that time.

The Freeths legal team was led by M&A and Private Equity Director Mohammed Abbas, supported by Charlotte Collard (Associate, Corporate), Emily Arnett (Legal Assistant, Corporate), Max Pengilley (Trainee Solicitor, Corporate), Stephen Jones (Partner, Tax), Alex Angelides (Managing Associate, Tax), James Dyson (Partner, Banking and Finance) and Charlotte Beddows (Associate, Banking and Finance).  

Commenting on the deal, Mike Yiannis, CFO of Hydrock, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Stantec and, once again, the Freeths team have excelled in supporting us.  Over the years they have helped us make seven acquisitions and three fundraises, as well as this transformational deal with Stantec.  We have benefitted from exceptional advice and service at all times from the Freeths team and are grateful for their support.”

Mohammed Abbas added: “This is a landmark move for Hydrock, which has only gone from strength-to-strength since gaining funding from BGF in 2018. We are proud to have worked with Hydrock for as long as we have. Both our long-standing relationship with Hydrock and our involvement in this sale demonstrate our pedigree for working with private equity backed companies and supporting their growth.”