Transguard Group, a unit of Emirates Group, a leading security services provider in the region, has sealed a deal to acquire MACAir, the market-leading mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractor based in Dubai.

The acquisition comes on the back of Transguard registering a 57 per cent jump in its turnover which rose to Dh607 million ($165 million) and doubling its profit to Dh75 million ($20 million), during the last financial year.

Transguard Group’s existing facilities management clients include Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, Atlantis the Palm and Emaar Hospitality, while its airside services division provides a range of support services to the Emirates Airline, including cleaning the new Airbus A380 fleet.

Transguard Group chief executive officer, Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, commented, “This acquisition forms an integral part of our mid to long term strategic business plan. MACAir are renowned specialists in major design and installation projects and, just as importantly for us, they have the MEP maintenance capability that completes our total facilities management service offering.”

Under the acquisition, MACAir, which turned over Dh225 million last year, will become a separate business unit within the Transguard Group, operating alongside their three existing business units - FM Services, Cash Services and Outsourced Services. MACAir will also retain its trading name.

As well as the obvious synergy between the companies’ FM and MEP capabilities, Transguard’s technology systems expertise complements MACAir’s installation business.

“Our technical solutions business dovetails perfectly with a project-led installation business like MACAir. We can now confidently bid for turnkey contracts that demand total end-to-end project management,' Dr Al Hashimi explained.

“Our capabilities now stretch from initial MEP and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) design and installation, through to the integrated technology to manage the systems, as well as administering comprehensive maintenance contracts,” he added.

The acquisition which now takes Transguard’s headcount to in excess of 30,000 also underscores its unrivalled market position as the leading security services provider in the region which besides facilities management has successfully diversified into cash management, security training, consultancy, airport services and event management.

MACAir welcomed the takeover move from Transguard Group. “Transguard is a very robust and diverse organisation, with a sound financial structure. This move will give MACAir the financial and commercial stability as well as the all round expertise it requires to grow in stature and further develop existing and potential business avenues,” noted Geoff Frost, managing director.

“The acquisition reinforces one of our key objectives – to enhance our reputation as one of the most professional and successful companies in the UAE with a long and secure future,” Dr Al Hashimi added.-TradeArabia News Service