The UK arm of a Norwegian oil and gas project management firm has snapped up a rival in Westhill with a view to branching into new markets.
Bosses at Omega Subsea UK said the takeover of staffing agency Accpron UK could help it start providing teams for commercial, contractual and health and safety support services, as well as project management.
They also want to attract clients in the construction and maintenance, rail and civil engineering sectors, but insist they are still committed to the energy sector despite the economic downturn.
All employees from Accpron UK will transfer to Omega Subsea UK’s base at the Crichiebank Business Centre, Inverurie.
Accpron general manager Keith Robathan, the firm’s sole shareholder as of November 2015, will reprise the same role at Omega Subsea UK.
The firms declined to reveal the value of the deal or the number of employees for either at the time of the transaction.
Accpron has supplied staff to the subsea and remotely-operated vehicle industries since it was founded in 2011.
Alistair McKee, managing director of Omega Subsea UK, which launched last year, said the two companies were a good fit for one ano-ther.
Mr McKee said: “In these challenging market conditions the need for stability and backing is of primary importance in order to reassure clients, something this move can deliver.”
Petter Aalvik, pictured, chief executive of parent company Omega, added: “This latest acquisition solidifies our presence within the UK and strengthens the commitment to customers across the energy sector.”
Norway’s Omega operates from 15 offices worldwide and has more than 1,100 consultants on assignment.