Portakabin picks up Darwin

The York-headquartered modular giant has acquired Darwin Group, an £80m-turnover business specialising in the healthcare sector.

Portakabin, which is owned by Shepherd Group, said that bringing the specialist expertise of Darwin into the group will offer healthcare providers both temporary and permanent building solutions to cover all future clinical and non-clinical requirements.

Dan Ibbetson, chief executive of Portakabin, said: “This union between two of the most respected offsite modular builders in their respective fields is an exciting development for both Portakabin and Darwin Group.

“We are both passionate about providing the healthcare sector with the most comprehensive range of market-leading products and services, particularly given the considerable pressures on our healthcare professionals today.”

Based in Telford, Darwin employs around 200 people.

The company’s chief executive Richard Pierce said: “An incredibly strong culture runs through the DNA of both businesses, and our commitment to delivering quality healthcare facilities allowing clinicians to enhance patient care makes this a natural fit. We are truly excited to start working together to continue delivering outstanding buildings for our customers.”

Portakabin was advised by corporate finance firm Stephens, law firm Addleshaw Goddard and KPMG on financial and tax. Deloitte, DLA Piper and PwC acted for Darwin Group.

Even before factoring in Darwin’s figures, Portakabin is now a £335m-turnover business, reporting a profit of £86m in its latest completed financial year.

Recent completions include training ground buildings for Brentford FC, a school in Norfolk and specialist theatres for Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Sussex.