NI construction group Farrans bought by Dublin firm

Farrans was put up for sale in December 2022

Farrans, one of Northern Ireland's largest construction firms, is to be bought by Dublin-based John Sisk & Son for an undisclosed sum.

Farrans was put on the market in 2022 by its current owner, another Dublin firm, CRH, whose main business focus is providing building materials.

The Farrans business will continue to trade under its own brand, and all project operations will continue as normal.

Dominic Lavery, Farrans Managing Director said: "This is a positive development for Farrans, and we believe that Sisk is the right strategic fit for our business as we look to the future."

He added: "We're pleased that Farrans' people, culture, and brand will be retained, and we look forward to working together to deliver for our clients across the UK and Ireland."

Paul Brown, chief executive of Sisk said: "The acquisition of Farrans represents an excellent opportunity for Sisk to broaden its sectoral reach across the UK and Ireland."

"Their strong reputation and track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects aligns well with our strategic growth ambitions.

"This acquisition creates significant opportunity to capitalise on the growing aviation, energy, water and utility sector markets, leveraging the combined capability and highly skilled workforce."

Farrans employs 625 people operating from offices in Belfast, London, Edinburgh and Leeds.

The company says that at present it is active on more than 45 sites across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with contract values ranging from £5m to £300m.

Farrans was involved in the £135m contract to upgrade the A6, designing and constructing nine miles of dual carriageway linking Toome and Castledawson,

It also worked on the construction of a £42m entrance block and three storey ward block at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry.

Sisk is Ireland's largest construction and civil engineering company, operating across Ireland, the UK and Europe.