Murphy snaps up Carillion's UK power business

Infrastructure specialist Murphy has acquired Carillion’s UK power framework business for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition will see Murphy take over collapsed contractor Carillion’s position on National Grid’s electricity overhead lines, substation and underground cable framework contracts.

Murphy will also become the joint venture partner of Swedish-based infrastructure network supplier Eltel on the overhead line and T Pylon framework.

It said the the three frameworks provide it with the opportunity to work with National Grid delivering planned replacement and refurbishment schemes on their transmission network across England and Wales.

Carillion employees currently working on the projects will transfer to Murphy, including those who are designing and installing overhead power lines, substations and major underground systems. 

John Murphy, chief executive of Murphy, said: “This represents an excellent strategic fit for the business, allowing us to bring a full range of services across the power sector for our customers both in the UK and internationally”. 

Yesterday it was annoucned that Carillion was selling its Canadian facilities management business to insurance giant Fairfax Financial Holdings. More than 4,500 of Carillion’s 7,000 employees in that arm will transfer to Toronto-headquartered Fairfax.