Testing, inspection and certification firm SOCOTEC UK & Ireland has completed the acquisition of LSTC Group, a Driffield, East Yorkshire-based engineering and asset inspection specialist serving the UK's power transmission and distribution sector, in a deal described by management as a significant milestone in expanding its engineering and asset inspection services offering.

BDaily reported that the acquisition will enable Burton-upon-Trent-headquartered SOCOTEC UK & Ireland to reach a new level of scale and capability in the power transmission and distribution sector.

Founded in 1954, LSTC supports transmission owners, distribution network operators, independent connection providers and project developers across the energy infrastructure sector, with a portfolio covering overhead line design and CAD services, geotechnical assessments and asset inspection work. The company operates from offices in Driffield, London, Derby, Hull, Tadcaster, Caerphilly and Cape Town.

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland provides services across sectors including construction, energy, facilities management and rail, operating from offices on either side of the Irish Sea.

Matthew Marriott, chief executive officer of SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, said LSTC's expertise in serving the UK's regulated energy infrastructure sector, combined with their talented team, will significantly strengthen SOCOTEC's engineering capabilities and expand its asset inspection offer.

Tim Wilkins, chair of LSTC, said joining forces with SOCOTEC UK & Ireland provides an exciting opportunity to expand the company's engineering, design, survey and inspection services.

The acquisition strengthens SOCOTEC's position in the UK's growing energy infrastructure market at a time of significant investment in grid capacity, renewable energy connectivity and power transmission upgrades.

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