Support services company Southern Bear has sold its engineering subsidiaries as part of a shake-up of the group.

Support services company Southern Bear has sold its engineering subsidiaries as part of a shake-up of the group.

Wiring specialist Phoenix Dynamics, pipeline installer Tarvail and welding company Towerinput have been sold to former Southern Bear directors for a combined value of £1.8 million.

The disposals will enable the group to focus on its support services and fire protection businesses.

Nigel Wray, chairman of Southern Bear, says: ‘The markets in which the support services businesses operate have been relatively insulated from the challenges in the wider economy. The disposal of the engineering operations will enable the group to… capitalise on the opportunities that may arise in our core markets.’

In the six months ending September 2009, Southern Bear reported revenue of £15.4 million and pre-tax profits of £1.1 million.