Global Energy Group said yesterday it had taken a controlling stake in a Highland firm.
The oil and gas contracting and service company has upped its share in Muir of Ord-based Ross-shire Engineering to 51%.
The deal, completed for an undisclosed sum, comes two years after Aberdeen and Inverness-based Global took a 30% interest in the industrial-engineering service business.
The deal came as Global said it had recruited its first two employees at Nigg Energy Park.
Global chairman Roy MacGregor said both he and Ross-Shire Engineering thought his company would increase its stake over time.
He added Ross-shire’s directors Alan Dallas and Gary Grant would continue to run the business.
Mr Dallas said: “We have been working closely with Global for some time now, and it has become obvious to everyone over time the advantages in us working even more closely together and the opportunity to expand our market share into other energy industries.
“There is no doubt we complement each other in our wide range of competencies and I am sure everyone will welcome this positive move.”
Ross-shire will continue to trade under its own brand name after the deal.
Meanwhile, Global said that Carol Grove had joined the former Nigg oil yard as general manager and Iain Bilsland had been appointed as maintenance supervisor. Both members of staff are returning to Nigg after Global bought the site last year.
Mr Bilsland was originally employed by Mr MacGregor when the Global chairman was recruiting for KBR, one of the yard’s former owners, in the 1970s.
Mr Bilsland said: “It is ironic his company is taking me on again to continue my work at Nigg.
“It is an exciting time for the area and I am pleased to be able to play some small part in what is hopefully going to see the revitalisation of what is a wonderful facility.”