Omagh-based civil engineering firm Adman Group has become one of a growing number of businesses in the north to establish an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), which acquires shares in the company on behalf of employees, who then become the beneficiaries of the trust and benefit fully from the future growth of the company.
Grant Thornton NI and McAleer Jackson Chartered Accountants advised Adman on the structuring of the deal, which it says will help future-proof the business.
Adman Group provides both ‘construct only’ and ‘design and construct’ services across a variety of sectors, with recent notable projects including the civil engineering contract for the 57.6 megawatts Moanvane Wind Farm in Co Offaly, and the design and construction of new train station platforms at Derriaghy in Co Antrim.
Founders Martin Grimes and Adrian McCrory will retain a significant shareholding and remain in place as directors.
Martin said: “We are incredibly proud of what we have built at Adman Group over the last 17 years and future-proofing the business is crucial to our long-term strategy.
“Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust is a natural next step for us, as it aligns perfectly with our values and emphasises the importance we place on our employees.
“It is very much business as usual as we continue to service our customers, with this deal ensuring that those who have contributed to our success will directly benefit from the future growth of the company.”
Founded in 2007 by Ulster University alumni Adrian McCrory and Martin Grimes, Adman Group has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality civil engineering projects to a range of blue-chip clients across the UK and Ireland.
With a dedicated workforce of 130 employees, Adman is recognised as one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK.
Adrian added: “Establishing the EOT is not just about securing the future of Adman Group, it is about rewarding our employees and recognising the essential role they play in our continued success.
“Working in partnership with Grant Thornton and McAleer Jackson has allowed us to deliver a deal that has met all of our aims, and we are confident that this will bring long-term benefits to all our stakeholders.”