Goldenpeak invests in ORS to support its next phase of growth
Goldenpeak, a private equity firm specialising in high-growth business and information services, is pleased to announce it has exchanged contracts to acquire a majority shareholding in ORS, a multidisciplinary built environment consultancy headquartered in Ireland. The strong cultural alignment between the organisations provides a solid foundation and will help drive ORS’ ambitious domestic and international growth plans.
Founded in 1991 as an engineering consultancy, ORS has expanded its services over the past 35 years through strong organic growth and multiple, expertly integrated acquisitions. The firm now provides specialist advisory, design and compliance services across the building life cycle, creating long-term value for clients and communities – including international project funding agencies, local authorities, government bodies and private sector organisations.
Operating in a multi-billion-dollar, highly fragmented global market, ORS has a unique, collaborative culture supporting a compelling opportunity to scale in Ireland and internationally. Goldenpeak’s strategic investment will provide substantial resources, enabling ORS to actively pursue value-enhancing mergers and acquisitions in Ireland, the UK and beyond. The investment will also allow ORS to expand its service offering and strengthen its position as a trusted leader in the market.
Mark Williams, Founder and Managing Partner, Goldenpeak, said: “ORS represents exactly the type of business we seek to back: a market-leading firm with an excellent management team, a strong culture and a clear opportunity to support growth through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. We are looking forward to partnering with the wonderful team through this next phase of growth.”
Leon Gillespie, Founder and Managing Partner, Goldenpeak, added: “We are hugely excited to be partnering with ORS. From the outset, it was clear that our organisations were highly aligned in terms of values, culture and ambition. The relationship we developed with the management team enabled a highly collaborative process, culminating in the successful completion of the investment within a short timeframe.”
John Brennan, Managing Director, ORS said: “This investment is a defining moment for ORS. We have built a market-leading multidisciplinary consultancy founded on expertise, ambition and an unwavering commitment to our people and clients. Throughout this process, it became clear that Goldenpeak shares our vision for the future and recognises the unique culture, people and values that have driven our success. With their support, we have an exceptional opportunity to accelerate our growth strategy, expand internationally and further strengthen our position in the market. Most importantly, we have found a partner that believes in our people and is committed to preserving the culture that makes ORS unique, while creating new opportunities for our team, clients and the business as a whole.”
Goldenpeak was advised by Alantra as lead advisor; Interpath on M&A; Queens Tower on financial due diligence; KPMG on tax; CIL on commercial due diligence; Squires Patton Boggs on legal counsel; Crosslake on technology and cyber due diligence; Virtus Insurance on insurance; and Deloitte on debt advisory.
In December 2022, private investment firm Erisbeg acquired a stake in ORS, providing backing for growth and acquisitions. Erisbeg will be exiting the business following this transaction. Erisbeg was advised by Goodbody on corporate finance; KPMG on financial due diligence, tax due diligence, and commercial due diligence; and Byrne Wallace Shields on legal counsel.
ORS management was advised by IBI on corporate finance and Dentons on legal counsel.
Transaction completion is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
For Goldenpeak media enquiries, contact Emily Gillespie emily@elmcommunications.co.uk
For ORS media enquiries, contact Rachel Murray r.murray@ors.ie