Building firm Leadbitter has taken a big step in its growth plan after it took over a major rival. The acquisition of Kent-based Denne Construction, for about £17m, will take the Abingdon firm's annual turnover to around £250m, placing it in the top league of builders in the social housing sector.
Managing director Bob Rendell (pictured right) said: "This announcement is a significant development for Leadbitter, moving the business on to the top table within the UK construction industry. Denne has an excellent management team, which I'm delighted to confirm will continue to work within the business.
"Our aim is to work jointly with them to further progress the exciting opportunities which Denne has in the South East, south east London and the Thames Gateway, an area designated as a national priority for urban regeneration."
The move will further strengthen Leadbitter's affordable housing business, which now accounts for more than half of the group's current £172m turnover.
Leadbitter now has offices in Abingdon, Sittingbourne, Southampton, Bristol, Plymouth and Cardiff and employs 400 staff, including 170 in Oxfordshire.
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