International energy-industry business 3sun Group said yesterday it had snapped up Aberdeenshire firm RRC Controls Services for a six-figure sum.
The group, which has its headquarters at Great Yarmouth and UK bases in Aberdeen, Oban and Chester, said the move was part of plans to expand its presence in the north-east and improve its service offering to the energy industry.
Gourdon-based RRC was formed by managing director Ray Connelly in September 1999, to provide consultancy diagnosis and repair services for electro/hydraulic subsea production-control systems both onshore and offshore.
The eight staff, including Mr Connelly, who becomes operations director, are all being kept on and 3Sun said it expected the acquisition to lead to 40 new jobs across the wider group. Group managing director Graham Hacon said: “RRC Controls Services delivers high-quality products and services and we have been tracking its progress for some time now.
“We saw an opportunity to extend beyond our past working relationships through acquisition.
“Bringing RRC into the 3sun Group combines our collective knowledge and resources to provide clients with full turnkey solutions, quickly and cost efficiently.”
“This puts us in a unique market position to serve the global subsea sector, while extending our oil and gas portfolio. It also strengthens our position in Aberdeen, which is a key market for us.”
Mr Connelly said it was the start of an exciting new era for RRC, with the business now having the chance to increase capacity and benefit from being part of a larger group.
It follows 3sun Group’s recent expansion into Denmark with the opening of an office in Esbjerg.
The group was formed six years ago, since when it has grown from a one-man business to one employing 240 people across offices in the UK and overseas in Norway, Denmark and Germany.
Turnover increased to £12million last year, from £2.4million in 2010 and £6.5million in 2011, and 3sun said it was on target to achieve £13.5million in the current 12-month period.