Energy Cranes International has acquired Aberdeen Hydraulic Services (AHS) which is to be merged with the hydraulics division of Energy Cranes’ existing business, Sparrows Offshore. A new, larger specialist hydraulics engineering business, Aberdeen Hydraulics will be formed as a result of the £5 million deal.

The new business will be led by chief operating officer Steve Ord, formerly managing director of Aberdeen Hydraulics Services. Aberdeen Hydraulics will provide design, manufacture, supply and refurbishment services for hydraulics systems, motors, pumps and valves.

Ord said: “Aberdeen Hydraulics will draw on the strength of both its predecessors – Aberdeen Hydraulics Services and the hydraulics division of Sparrows Offshore.

“The one brings a reputation for supply and refurbishment of bespoke hydraulic units, the other brings depth of engineering support and the big-company backing to drive Aberdeen Hydraulics through to the achievement of its full market potential.”

Partner in accountancy firm Shearer, Bruce & Paterson, John Hannah, acted as accountant and tax adviser for Aberdeen Hydraulic Services. Hannah has acted for the company since its inception in 1998.

Hannah said: “I am delighted that I have been involved with Aberdeen Hydraulics from day one and been able to assist with the company’s rapid growth from a small hydraulic company in to a market leader.”

Paull & Williamsons provided corporate and property advice to long-standing client Energy Cranes led by Jamie Stark who said: “The purchase is an excellent addition to the Energy Crane business.”

Aberdeen Hydraulics will be based at Castle Park Industrial Estate, Ellon but will initially also retain the Sparrows hydraulics facility. All AHS employees and the workshop staff of Sparrows hydraulics department will transfer to Aberdeen Hydraulics, together with a team of hydraulics engineers and a technical co-ordinator.

The new company plans to add additional hydraulics engineers and technicians in the coming months. Aberdeen Hydraulics intends ultimately to draw together the whole company at one location in the area.

Ord added: “Aberdeen Hydraulics will immediately rank as one of the North Sea’s leading hydraulic engineering design, manufacture and refurbishment companies.

“Our purpose is to drive forward from this position so that Aberdeen Hydraulics emerges as the pre-eminent hydraulic engineering design, manufacture and service partner supporting North Sea operators, drillers and marine contractors.”