Advising Sullivan Street Partners on its sale of Octavius to RSK Group

We have advised Sullivan Street Partners, a UK-based mid-market buyout specialist, on its sale of Octavius Infrastructure to RSK Group.

Octavius is one of the UK’s leading civil engineering and electrification transport infrastructure businesses, employing more than 700 people across rail and highways. The company has longstanding relationships with key customers including Network Rail, National Highways, Transport for London, and numerous local authorities.

Sullivan Street acquired the business in September 2021. Under Sullivan Street's ownership, the business has evolved from a predominantly regional contractor in the South of England into a national player, with group revenue increasing from approximately £200m to £350m over four years.

Commenting on the transaction, Jonny Bethell, private equity partner, who led on the transaction, said: "We are delighted to have supported Sullivan Street Partners once again on their successful exit from Octavius. The business has been transformed under their ownership and we hope this next chapter is also a successful one. "

Layton Tamberlin, co-founder and managing partner of Sullivan Street Partners, commented: "Our journey with Octavius has been a fantastic one. From carving out the business, to executing the organic growth plan and adding additional capabilities through add-ons, the business has been transformed into a national player of considerable scale.

Jonny and the Taylor Wessing team consistently excel in delivering commercially relevant and strategic legal advice and we really value their expertise, guidance and insight on our most significant deals.”

The team advising Sullivan Street Partners was led by partner Jonny Bethell and included Alexandra Poland (Senior Counsel), Alice Picton (Senior Associate) and Miranda Robertson (Associate) in the private equity team.

The wider team included:

• Real estate & Construction: David Quinlan (Partner), Kourosh Abelehkoob (Senior Associate) and Ellie Stubley (Associate)
• Tax & Incentives: James Ross (Partner) and Melissa Hale (Associate)
• Competition: Louisa Penny (Senior Counsel)