A Bristol-based construction soil and aggregate recycling firm has been taken over by a major quarrying and materials group in a deal handled by lawyers from the city office of national law firm Clarke Willmott.
Hallen-based B&A Group, a family business with more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, is now part of Heidelberg Materials UK, which has extensive operations around the country. 
Formerly known as Hanson UK, and originally part of one of the world’s largest industrial conglomerates, Maidenhead-headquartered Heidelberg Materials UK produces crushed rock, sand and gravel from a network of more than 80 quarries, depots and wharves.
B&A Group employs 70 people and specialises in supplying recycled and primary aggregate as well as site clearance, earthworks, land remediation and sustainable land regeneration.
Last year was its most successful trading period since its launch, with a pre-tax profit of £9.1m on turnover of £50m-plus.
Heidelberg said the acquisition of B&A Group reflected its commitment to reaching net zero by conserving natural materials and promoting the circular economy by recycling, reusing and reducing the use of primary raw materials.
The deal, financial details of which have not been disclosed, follows its takeover of Cambridgeshire-based bulk excavation business Mick George and adds an additional source of high-quality recycled materials for use in its sustainable building materials. 
Heidelberg Materials UK CEO Simon Willis said: “B&A Group is a successful business with an unrivalled reputation in the South West, underpinned by a strong team.
B&A director Kevin Berkely said becoming part of Heidelberg was the ideal fit for the business to continue its growth and development.
“We are very excited to see what this new chapter brings for everyone involved,” he added.
“As a family business with over 30 years in the industry this is a very proud moment for us and signifies just how far we have come.
“It’s a huge step towards our goal in growing the business and expanding our geographical reach. 
“Joining forces with such a significant player in the industry is the perfect opportunity for us to take the business to a whole new level.”
The acquisition was handled by Clarke Willmott’s Bristol office, led by corporate partner Simon Thomas and assisted by solicitor Cormac Hayes. Accountants Bishop Fleming advised on financial aspects of the deal.
Simon Thomas, pictured, who is also partner and managing director of the commercial services division at Clarke Willmott, said: “We were delighted to be involved in this sale and to assist B&A and the Berkely family move to the next exciting chapter for the business.
“The diverse nature of the group’s business led to some interesting complexities in terms of structuring the deal, so we were really pleased to be able to work with the Bishop Fleming team to navigate through these and achieve a really positive result for the Berkely family and the rest of the shareholders.”
Formed in the 1960s, Hanson Trust became one of the world’s largest companies, spanning chemical factories in the US, quarrying and electricity supply in the UK and gold mines in Australia.
A one-time owner of Bristol-headquartered Imperial Tobacco (now Imperial Brands), it made products ranging from cigarettes and batteries to timber and toys, golf clubs, Jacuzzis, cod liver oil capsules and cranes.
Clarke Willmott also has offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.
