OCU Group, the Stockport-based energy transition and utilities infrastructure services company, has acquired Athena PTS, an independent electrical engineering specialist based in Ulverston, Cumbria, for an undisclosed sum.
Athena is recognised for its expertise in power systems engineering and the provision of early-stage technical consultancy, supporting projects through feasibility assessment, grid connection strategy and the design and delivery of grid and private network infrastructure.
The business combines strong in-house engineering capability with its role as an Independent Connection Provider (ICP), delivering contestable grid infrastructure up to 132 kV, alongside specialist experience in electrical balance of plant (EBoP) and private network developments.
The acquisition strengthens OCU’s ability to support clients at the earliest stages of project development, improving visibility of future workload and enabling earlier identification of grid constraints and delivery risks.
Private equity investor Triton acquired OCU Group, holding company of O’Connor Utilities and Instalcom, in July 2022.
Since then the business which was founded in 1994 by Tim and Tom O’Connor, has seen revenue soar from over £300m to £886m in the last accounts, largely by acquisition of specialist technical service providers in utility, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, alongside expert competencies in network design and project management.
Athena has built a strong reputation for delivering technically demanding electrical engineering services across multiple sectors, including renewable energy, marine electrical, nuclear, utilities, and building services.
Since its founding in 2011, the company has grown consistently, delivering complex electrical power system design, grid connection infrastructure and EBoP solutions for critical energy projects.
The business has delivered projects for major industrial and energy clients, including critical national infrastructure and high security facilities. Its core capabilities are supported by electrical contracting services and an operations and maintenance (O&M) offering for projects across the UK.
Michael Hughes, CEO of OCU Group, said: “Athena’s expertise aligns with our commitment to supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions while continuing to deliver high quality outcomes for our clients.”
He added: “This acquisition will further complement OCU’s ability to provide fully integrated engineering solutions from design through to long term asset support, improving resilience and value for current and future partners.”
Neil Smith, director of Athena PTS, said: “Joining OCU Group marks an exciting next step for Athena PTS.
“OCU’s scale and complementary capabilities will enable us to expand our electrical engineering services while maintaining the technical standards and client focus that define our business. We look forward to delivering integrated solutions together and creating new opportunities for our people.”
Neil O’Hara, COO and managing director – OCU Energy, said: “Athena further strengthens our electrical engineering and early stage technical consultancy capability at a time of growing demand for grid and renewable infrastructure.
“Their expertise enhances our ability to deliver fully integrated, end-to-end solutions and supports our long term strategy in the energy transition market.”