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11 October 2025

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Losses mount as OCU builds revenue

1 day Utilies contractor OCU Group saw revenue grow by 45% last year but pre-tax losses more than doubled.

OCU in action
OCU in action

OCU Group has been growing by debt-funded acquisitions since its private equity buyout three years ago

In the year ending 30th April 2025, OCU Group revenue grew by 45% to £886m, a 45% increase from the previous year, reflecting organic growth as well as the impact of strategic acquisitions

Three acquisitions were made during the year: Northern Ireland-based McCormack Drilling Limited, process engineer Purestream Industries and Scottish civil engineering contractor RJ McLeod.

Operating profit more than doubled to £28.1m (2024: £12.6m).

However, with £99m paid out in interest on borrowings and similar expenses, the final result was a pre-tax loss of £63.3m, also more than double 2024’s result of a £30.9m loss.

Chief executive Michael Hughes said: “OCU Group delivered consistently strong strategic and operational progress this year, underpinned by three acquisitions, organic contract wins and continued investment in technology and talent. Our diversified position across essential UK infrastructure markets provides a robust platform for sustained, long-term value for clients and stakeholders.”

Chief financial officer David Snowball added: “OCU Group continues to deliver strong, profitable growth, reflecting excellent progress against our strategic objectives. With a solid capital structure and robust financial footing, we are well positioned to build on this momentum into the future.”

OCU was founded by 1994 by brothers Tim and Tom O’Connor as O’Connor Utilities Group. They sold it to private equity firm Triton Partners in August 2022.

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