Labour supply specialist Hercules has struck a £15.7m deal to buy specialist overhead lines labour supplier Advantage NRG.

The acquisition marks its entry into the UK’s booming power and energy sector.

Hercules gains a 155-strong team of skilled operatives, giving it a strong foothold in a market expected to surge as National Grid rolls out £58bn worth of transmission upgrades.

The initial deal is worth £10.2m in cash, with a further £1.5m deferred and an earn-out that could take the total price to £15.7m depending on Advantage’s performance through February 2026.

In its last financial year to February 2025, Chorley-based Advantage NRG posted £1.7m pre-tax profit on £11m turnover.

Hercules is funding the buyout through a mix of internal cash and a new £6m loan from Wasdell Holdings – a company controlled by non-exec director and major Hercules shareholder Martin Tedham.

CEO Brusk Korkmaz said: “The acquisition of Advantage NRG marks another important milestone in Hercules’ growth journey.

“Advantage NRG’s deep expertise in overhead electrical transmission, and its ability to source, train and mobilise specialist linesmen, both in the UK and internationally, perfectly complements our strategy.

“We believe this strategic investment will enable Hercules, the Hercules Academy and Advantage NRG to grow together and play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of the UK’s essential energy infrastructure.”

The deal is Hercules’ third acquisition, following Future Build Recruitment in 2023 and training specialist QTT earlier this month.