Gemserv acquires sustainability specialist Ecuity Consulting
London-based Gemserv has acquired Ecuity Consulting, a 20-strong firm specialised in sustainability and net zero. The two firms have worked together before – notably supporting a Government networks investment project in 2018.
Specialist consultancy Ecuity focuses on sustainable energy policy, working to help clients boost stakeholder engagement, and communication operating at the intersection of business, regulation and economics. Operating nationally and internationally, Ecuity has supported over 100 organisations across the past five years, while assisting the understanding of energy policy.
Ecuity’s extensive expertise in energy, mobility and environmental policy has attracted an acquisition from Gemserv – a professional services firm based in London, which is also an established manager of high-profile projects in the energy space, as well as other sectors. The move comes as part of Gemserv’s drive to expand services for clients seeking to accelerate the transition to net zero.
Alex Goody, Gemserv’s Chief Executive, said, “Climate change is an existential threat to our way of life. Organisations must adapt, bringing forward progressive policy and new business models, and acquiring Ecuity reinforces Gemserv’s position as a leader in supporting clients with the transition to net zero. We have been looking for the right match to meet our growth ambitions and to support our purpose of tackling social and environmental challenges. Ecuity is a great fit in terms of services, clients and the impact we want to have in transforming markets in the face of dangerous climate change”.
Ecuity and Gemserv have worked together previously. For instance, in 2018, The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launched the Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) – a major Government project to invest £320 million of capital funding in heat network projects. Both firms made up part of the project’s ‘Delivery Partner’ – a consortium of private sector firms which also included Triple Point Investment Management, AECOM, Amberside Advisors, BDO, and Lux Nova Partners.
Founder James Higgins, Ilias Vazaios and Dave Sowden, Partners of Ecuity, will all take up senior positions in the combined business. In a statement, the trio said that becoming part of a larger organisation will hopefully offer “greater career development opportunities for our talented and committed team.”
Seller Ecuity Consulting was advised during the deal by Consulting M&A. Speaking on the role of the dealmaker, Higgins said, “We were engaged with Consulting M&A on our journey to exit, so it was natural to work with them when we were approached by Gemserv. They did a great job taking us through their process, bringing together a comprehensive team to complete an outcome that works really well for shareholders, staff and clients.”
