A second acquisition of the year will further extend JR Rix & Sons’ offering in the renewable energy sector.
The Hull family firm has acquired Driffield-based Hart Plumbing & Heating, following the buy-out of Foley Electrical - also based in the East Yorkshire market town - in March. Hart will become Rix Plumbing Services as part of the deal, with Foley now known as Rix Energy Services.
Together the two businesses will allow the £525 million turnover Humber Quays headquartered firm to deliver a full suite of renewable energy technologie to domestic and commercial customers as it diversifies from its strong oil-based offering.
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Duncan Lambert, managing director of Rix Petroleum, said Hart Plumbing & Heating was highly regarded in Driffield and the surrounding areas, with an excellent reputation. He added that the business has knowledge in fitting air source heat pumps, and it was this that made the company an attractive proposition.
“At Rix, we recognise that future energy provision has to be from sustainable sources so our aim is to help new and existing customers, both domestic and commercial, transition to renewable technologies from gas and oil,” he said. “Strategic acquisition has always been part of this journey, and we feel that in these two deals, we have found businesses that share our vision and understanding of how being part of a large group will enable them to scale and help many more customers.
“With J Foley Electrical now well integrated into the group, and the purchase of Hart Plumbing & Heating complete, we are fully geared up to provide a wide range of sustainable energy solutions.”
Owner Chris Hart said it had been a difficult decision to sell his business, but added that the Rix Group shares his values of service and integrity.
As part of the deal, he will continue to manage the business in its new guise. He said: “The decision to sell was not an easy one but I have recently trained to fit air source heat pumps – an opportunity with huge potential – and I believe that the best way to move forward is with a bigger company like Rix.
“As a long-established and substantial business, Rix will be able to provide the administrative support, finance and access to the best products that will give me the ability to realise my ambition and vision to grow the business.”
The comapany is an affiliate of Ideal Heating, the Hull business behind significant innovation in the Net Zero home energy market.
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