The Bouygues Construction subsidiary Bouygues Bâtiment International has signed an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the Thomas Vale Group. The deal is subject to approval by the European Commission competition authorities.

Established in 1869, the Midlands construction business Thomas Vale expects to generate sales of just over £200 million (more than €240 million) for the 2012 financial year end (March 2012), and employs over 700 people. With a Head Office in Worcestershire and regional offices in central Birmingham, the company has a well-established client base across central England.

Thomas Vale specialises in new build and refurbishment within both the public and private arenas including the retail, office and leisure sectors, and has a proven track record in housing and regeneration through its long-term public sector partnerships. The company's solid growth and successful delivery of projects has resulted in considerable recognition throughout the construction industry, which includes winning the Construction News ‘Judge's Supreme Award' three times in recent years. Thomas Vale will benefit from the technical and commercial expertise of Bouygues Construction, particularly on high added value projects.

This is a significant acquisition for Bouygues Construction's expansion programme in the UK, providing it with access to a buoyant geographical region that complements the Group's existing subsidiaries (Bouygues UK, Warings, Leadbitter and its subsidiary Denne, and ETDE) in London, the South East, South West and Wales.

First operating in the UK around 15 years ago, Bouygues Construction has progressively grown its UK business through successes in building, public works, electricity and facilities management, and operates several PFI (Private Finance Initiative) contracts, notably the Home Office, and projects within the education, healthcare, public lighting and infrastructure sectors. The Group further reinforced its local presence by acquiring Warings in December 2007, and the Leadbitter Group at the beginning of 2011. 

About Thomas Vale Group 

The Thomas Vale Group is one of the most awarded principal contractors in the UK to date and has an established and enviable reputation for quality and delivery on some of the country's largest and most high-profile projects; working closely with public and private sector clients alongside professionals, consultants and stakeholders. The Group offers a comprehensive range of services from concept, design, construction, engineering, life-cycle maintenance and facilities management. Named Building Magazines' Contractor of the Year 7 times and the only contractor in the UK to have been awarded the Construction News Judges Supreme Award thrice. At the forefront of change within the industry, the business is committed to the delivery of sustainable and economic solutions and employs over 3,500 people directly and indirectly via its subcontractors and consultants.