Birketts advises on acquisition of specialist asbestos removal and COVID-19 decontamination business

Birketts has advised on the acquisition of DCUK FM, a leading asbestos removal business, from Marlowe plc for a sum of £7 million. 

DCUK FM is a nationwide contractor specialising in asbestos removal and also COVID-19 cleaning and contamination services. Employing over 360 staff and carrying out work nationally as well as internationally since 2015, DCUK FM has won a number of health and safety awards for its quality and professionalism. As part of the transaction Marlowe plc retains DCUK FM’s ventilation hygiene and compliance business within its Air Testing & Quality division.

The transaction was led by Nick Burt with support from, Kathryn Palmer and Lisa Gray (Corporate) and Isabel Wightman-Cooper (Commercial Property).

Nigel Jones, principal shareholder of DCUK FM Holdings Limited, the purchaser, commented: “I am hugely grateful for all the hard work Birketts has put in to bringing this transaction to a successful conclusion. DCUK FM will continue its ground-breaking approach to technically challenging projects within our various markets, in particular looking to deploy our services to support the vital work of NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Legal Director Nick Burt added: “This was transaction was a welcome opportunity to work with Nigel Jones once again. Birketts are delighted to have assisted a business known for its quality and professionalism and expect the plans of DCUK FM to focus on its specialist services to be highly rewarding.”

Head of Birketts’ Corporate Team Adrian Seagers concluded: “Despite the uncertainty of the current climate and the particular challenges it poses, Birketts continues to conclude deals such as this one. We are proud to remain in a position to support businesses through what will undoubtedly be a challenging period for us all and to continue to offer high quality service at the level our clients have come to expect.”