Leeds facilities management firm acquires building services contractor to create £25m group

First Response Group (FRG), the Leeds-based facilities management firm, has acquired Robinsons M & E (RME), creating a £25m turnover Group.

The acquisition was led by FRG owners Jamal Tahlil and Edgar Chibaka,

Established in 1963, Robinsons M & E is a commercial boiler, air conditioning and electrical installation firm based in Harrogate.

In 2017, the company relocated to Bishop Thornton, on the outskirts of Harrogate, occupying 2,170 sq. ft. of ground floor space at Oakwood Park Business Centre.

RME’s recent mechanical and electrical installation projects include £1m factory for Saint-Gobain, a £1.3m care home for The Fisher Care Group via Marshall (Building Contractors) and a £1.7m of work for The University of Leeds via Sewell Construction and Henry Boot.

FRG was founded in 2007 and has a nationwide presence with eight branches including London and Cardiff. The company has a £15m turnover.

Edgar Chibaka, director of FRG, commented: “This is an exciting acquisition for First Response Group. We wanted a business that fitted seamlessly with our facilities management solutions company and Robinsons M & E’s exemplary client care record and varied portfolio have positioned it at the forefront of Yorkshire’s commercial building services solutions, making it the ideal choice.”

Luke Kitchen, RME managing director, will exit the business after a period of consultancy.

Engineering Directors Andrew Jackson and Joe Lee will remain in the business and part of its management team.