Strabag UK has made its first decisive move into into the energy market, snapping up the assets of failed high-voltage transmission specialist GTDS in a deal that protects jobs and adds specialist grid capability.

The pre-pack deal has saved 32 jobs at high-voltage installation business Gunning Transmission & Distribution Services.

The Stafford-based contractor doubled revenues in 2024 to £97m working largely under framework agreements with National Grid.

But it collapsed after a string of loss-making projects hammered cashflow.

GTDS had faced three winding-up petitions last year, with 39 supporting creditors by November, before directors conceded a solvent rescue was impossible.

Administrators Gareth Slater and Joshua Dwyer of Interpath agreed the asset deal which see GTDS staff transfer into Strabag UK while continuing to operate from the existing Stafford base.

Simon Wild, managing director at Strabag UK, said: “We have been seeking to expand our UK presence in the high-voltage and energy sector, and the opportunity to bring specialist capability with a strong and talented team into Strabag was one we could not ignore.

“This approach allows us to leverage our global-local model, enabling us to bring the best of Strabag to this power infrastructure programme, which will contribute to upgrading and modernising the UK’s electricity network.”