Renew targets water sector growth with two specialist acquisitions

Renew subsidiary Evolve Infrastructure has acquired two service companies to expand the group’s specialist capabilities across the engineering sector.

Specialist inshore diving contractor, Edward Diving Services, (EDS) and breathing apparatus provider, Remar Safety Services, were purchased for a combined £13 million. 

The acquisition comes at a time when the group plans to spread itself further into civil and marine, energy and water industries, and to deliver a range of engineering solutions that will boost overall growth of the business.

Paul Scott, chief executive officer of Renew, said: “This acquisition expands our services into the exciting specialist water and environmental sectors, bolstering our existing, well-established position in the regulated water maintenance and renewal market. 

“As we move into the second year of the AMP8 control period, we are increasingly well placed to capitalise on the significant level of investment, underpinned by a wider environmental protection focus on waterways and marine investment.

“I am delighted to welcome the highly regarded EDS team into the Renew family and I look forward to updating the market on the further progress in due course.”

EDS and Remar will continue operations under their established brands, and Renew has made an initial cash payment of £10 million, with an additional payout of £3 million once profit targets have been met.

Paul Edwards, founder of EDS and managing director for the former and Remar, said he looked forward to incorporating the business into Evolve.

Jamie Prichard, managing director at Envolve Infrastructure, added:“Envolve has been providing specialist engineering services in the water sector for over 40 years. 

“By bringing EDS and Remar into the Group, we are broadening this specialist capability to offer our clients an enhanced turnkey service which is complementary to our growth plans.”  

Renew hopes the venture will boost cashflow and continues to assess other acquisitions in its pipeline.

In its annual report, the group achieved a strong turnover, as for the year ended 30 September 2025, revenue increased by nearly six per cent to £1.11 billion, including joint ventures (FY2024: £1.05 billion). 

This was supported by an adjusted operating profit rising to £72.1 million from £70.9 million.

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