National architects announce major merger and expansion

Two UK architectural practises have merged to create a major national consultancy, DarntonB3 Architecture, which is headquartered in Leeds.

Accountants and business advisers JWPCreers brokered the deal along with commercial law firm Andrew Jackson with funding through HSBC.

The new group has been formed with immediate effect through the merger of Darnton EGS Ltd and B3 Architects.

This new group, which is much larger, will provide a solid platform for future growth and enables the business to provide a full service offering including; Architecture, Project Management, Building Services Design, Interior Design, Building Information Modelling, Health & Safety services and 3D visualisation.

DarntonB3 has nine directors, 150 staff and will operate from 11 UK offices in 4 geographic regions, including Leeds and Bradford.

Alistair Hamilton, who is the managing director of DarntonB3, is joined on the Board by David Suggitt, Keith Hardcastle, Alex Lodge, Ciara Ryan, Rory Campbell-Pilling and Paul Davies from Darnton EGS, together with Dyfrig Jones and Simon Turner of B3 Architects.

Alistair Hamilton said: “This exciting move builds on the momentum we have created in developing our business and will create a national force to further enhance our service provision to clients throughout the UK.

“We have strong experience in bringing together successful companies to reach new heights and I am excited by the prospect of taking DarntonB3 to the next level, building on our award winning services and track record.”

DarntonB3 will work on ongoing projects throughout the UK, with clients across all market sectors, including Retail, Residential, Sports and Leisure, Industrial and Manufacturing, Education, Rail and Transportation, Hospitality, Heritage, Healthcare and Commercial Development.

Key clients include, Marks & Spencer, Wm. Morrisons, Lloyds Banking Group, London Underground, Primark, Vodafone, Nestlé, Coca Cola, the Welsh Government and Swansea University.

Darnton EGS Ltd was itself previously created through the successful merger of Darnton Elgee and EG&S Ltd in 2008.

Dyfrig Jones added: “I am delighted that B3 Architects has entered in to a merger agreement with Darnton EGS . This is a very exciting development for both companies; the merger will strengthen our position in the market considerably. The combination will enable us to continue to provide our clients with a high quality service in more market sectors and in even more geographical regions of the UK.”

Tony Farmer, JWP Creers, corporate finance partner, commented: “This a very exciting merger for Darnton EGS and B3 Architects, creating a significant new force in this sector. We worked closely with Darnton EGS to find the right partner and we are delighted with the outcome, especially as we advised on the merger to create Darnton EGS Ltd seven years ago.”

Also, advising on the merger were members of law firm Andrew Jackson’s corporate team, led by partner Philip Ashworth and supported by Grace Howell.

Mr Ashworth said: “We have advised Darnton EGS over a number of years I am delighted to have acted in the merger with B3 Architects to create DarntonB3.’

“The deal, which was completed to timescales, creates a business with a strong office portfolio and platform from which DarntonB3 can advise its clients throughout the UK and internationally.”

Mike Craft, HSBC’s corporate relationship director in York, also stated: “I am pleased we have been able to help fund the merger of Darnton EGS and B3 Architects. HSBC’s £150 million SME fund for businesses in North Yorkshire is here to support businesses like DarntonB3 to grow and develop.”