Sisk Acquires Farrans Construction: Expanding Infrastructure Opportunities in the UK & Ireland

Irish contractor John Sisk & Son has agreed to acquire Farrans Construction from materials giant CRH for an undisclosed sum. Subject to regulatory approval, Farrans will keep its brand and 625-strong workforce. The deal boosts Sisk’s presence in high-growth markets aviation, water, renewable energy, and utilities, opening fresh construction opportunities across both nations.

Business Overview

• Sisk: Founded 1859, 2,500 employees, active in Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe.

  
  

• Farrans: 80-year-old building and civil-engineering firm headquartered in Belfast with offices in London, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Monaghan; turnover £417 million (2024). Core sectors: aviation, water, renewable energy, highways, and marine.

  
  

• Post-deal, both companies will trade separately but collaborate on complex projects, leveraging combined resources and advanced project management expertise.

High angle view of a construction site reflecting expansion and growth opportunities.

Deal Details

• Seller: CRH plc (via Northstone NI)

  
  

• Buyer: John Sisk & Son Ltd

  
  

• Employees transferring: Approximately 625

  
  

• Consideration: Undisclosed

  
  

• Completion: Pending UK & Irish competition clearance (Q4 2025 target)

  
  

• Brand: Farrans name retained; projects continue as normal

Strategic Importance

Paul Brown, Sisk CEO, noted that the acquisition broadens Sisk’s sectoral reach and positions it to capitalise on growing aviation, energy, water, and utility markets. Farrans Managing Director Dominic Lavery praised the strategic fit and commitment to brand and clients.

Why It Matters

• Infrastructure development banding specialist civil-engineering capability supports UK Net Zero and Irish NDP targets.

  
  

• Strengthens Sisk’s footprint in Northern Ireland and Scotland and gives Farrans access to the Republic of Ireland works.

  
  

• Responds to the market trend of consolidation for scale in mega-project delivery.

Key Sectors & Project Pipeline

• Aviation: Terminal expansions at Heathrow, Gatwick, and Dublin.

  
  

• Water: AMP8 frameworks (2025–30) worth £60 billion; NI Water PC21; Irish Water National Programmes.

  
  

• Renewable Energy: Floating wind ports, hydrogen hubs, onshore wind balance-of-plant.

  
  

• Utilities & Highways: £25 billion RIS3 roads plan; electricity-grid upgrades.

Eye-level view of a wind energy turbine symbolising opportunities in renewable energy.

Construction-Industry Impact

Opportunities for the Supply Chain

• Subcontractors: Larger tender pipeline access

  
  

• Consultants: Higher demand for BIM, carbon assessment and digital twin capability

  
  

• Local SMEs: Benefit from combined Tier 1 buying power and regional knowledge

Workforce & Culture

• No planned redundancies; maintain skilled labour force

  
  

• Joint training on sustainable building and off-site fabrication

Risks & Mitigations

• Integration delays were mitigated by the merger team and clear communication

  
  

• Brand distinctions to satisfy existing contracts

  
  

• Diverse sector mix reduces cyclical risk

Wide-angle view of a civil engineering project illustrating teamwork in construction.

Conclusion

Sisk’s acquisition of Farrans strengthens regional infrastructure delivery in aviation, water, and renewable energy, generating extensive construction opportunities. Contractors and consultants should prepare for a richer project pipeline combining experienced workforces and expanded geographic coverage.

Keywords: infrastructure development, construction opportunities, project management, public-private partnerships, market analysis