Acorn Mechanical Pipework Services acquired by UK investment firm Astra Holdings

Acorn MPS provides expert mechanical and electrical pipework solutions for heating and cooling projects in public and commercial buildings, including manufacturing and processing plants. Entrepreneurs Hub was engaged by the shareholders of Acorn MPS, who started the business over 40 years ago, to help them transition into a new phase of life.

Tony Meakin, who led the deal for Entrepreneurs Hub, comments, “It has been a pleasure to work with Bob, Linda and the wider team on this transaction.  They have built a strong growing business and are leaving it in the safe hands of Andrew Johnson and Matthew Kelly with the backing of Astra Holdings.  We wish them all every success in the future.”

If you are thinking about selling your business or have received an approach and want some advice, please contact us on 08450 678 678 or [email protected]

The full press release from Astra Holdings follows:

Astra Holding is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Acorn Mechanical Pipework Services Ltd (“Acorn MPS”), a leading provider of M&E building services including planned and reactive maintenance services for commercial and industrial clients across the UK. This marks Astra’s second acquisition and a key step in its mission to preserve and grow profitable UK SMEs facing succession challenges.

Founded in the 1980s by Bob and Linda Jarrom, Acorn MPS has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, fully accredited mechanical and electrical building services. With a highly skilled team of engineers and installers, Acorn MPS is trusted for its ability to execute complex refurbishment projects with minimal disruption and has played a key role in high-profile projects at NHS Trust hospitals, universities, processing and manufacturing plants, and major UK airports, including Gatwick, Heathrow, and East Midlands.

Preserving Legacy, Unlocking Growth

Astra specializes in acquiring and growing UK-based industrial SMEs that are profitable yet facing succession planning challenges. Many of these businesses, like Acorn MPS, have been built over decades and serve as economic pillars in their communities. Astra’s acquisition approach ensures these companies continue to thrive, maintaining their values, leadership, and commitment to their customers.

Under Astra’s ownership, Andrew Johnson and Matthew Kelly, two of Acorn’s senior leaders, will remain in their roles to drive the company forward, maintaining its strong culture and operational excellence.

Amit Rai and Sergey Sushentsev, Co-Founders of Astra Holding Group, commented:

“Acorn MPS is exactly the kind of business Astra was built to support. It has an outstanding reputation, a skilled team, and a strong foundation. Our role is to ensure that Acorn not only continues to deliver excellent service to its clients but also has the resources and strategic support to expand and innovate. We are excited to work with Bob and Linda, Andrew and Matthew, and the entire Acorn team as we take the business into its next phase of growth.”

Bob Jarrom, Founder of Acorn MPS, said:

“Finding the right home for Acorn was incredibly important to me. I wanted to ensure that the business I built would continue to thrive, with the same values and commitment to excellence. Astra understands what makes Acorn special, and I’m confident they will provide the support needed for the team to grow and succeed. I am excited to see Acorn’s future unfold under their stewardship.”

Andrew Johnson, Managing Director of Acorn MPS, shared:

“This is an exciting new chapter for Acorn MPS. Astra’s investment and strategic expertise provide a fantastic opportunity for us to build on our strong foundations and accelerate our growth. We are committed to maintaining the high standards and trusted relationships that have defined Acorn for decades, while also leveraging Astra’s support to expand our capabilities and reach new markets. I look forward to working closely with the Astra team to drive innovation, enhance our services, and ensure long-term success for our employees and customers alike.”

Astra worked closely with key partners to complete this transaction, ensuring a seamless transition for Acorn MPS. The acquisition was supported by Close Brothers, Marriott Harrison, Gerald Edelman, IBB and Entrepreneurs Hub.

This second acquisition marks another milestone in Astra’s long-term strategy. With plans to acquire 30 SMEs over the next 5-6 years, Astra remains committed to supporting UK industrial businesses, ensuring they continue to thrive while staying true to their roots.

If you are thinking about selling your business or have received an approach and want some advice, please contact us on 08450 678 678 or [email protected]