Keltbray Infrastructure Services focuses on growth with EMK Capital Acquisition
Keltbray’s Infrastructure Services Limited (KISL), a key player in the UK’s energy and transport infrastructure landscape, is set to enter an exciting new phase following its acquisition by EMK Capital.
The undisclosed deal will see the private equity firm backing KISL’s ambitious plans to accelerate growth, expand its service offerings, and solidify its role in the country’s green energy transition.
A Strategic Acquisition to Bolster UK Infrastructure
Keltbray’s Infrastructure Services has undergone a strategic transformation since it entered the infrastructure services sector in 2009. Beginning with the acquisition of Gamble Rail, followed by Aspire Rail in 2010, KISL expanded rapidly and established itself as a multidisciplinary provider of safety-critical services. Over the past decade, KISL has grown its capabilities across the energy and transport sectors, addressing the growing demand for reliable and sustainable infrastructure solutions in the UK.
With its direct-delivery model—offering in-house design, engineering, construction, maintenance, and crisis response—KISL has built a strong reputation for managing complex, highly regulated projects. The company’s approach not only reduces delivery risks but also ensures greater certainty for clients, which has proven critical in sectors where compliance and reliability are non-negotiable.
The company’s unique blend of expertise, technical prowess, and proactive collaboration with stakeholders has led to a 12-fold growth in its order book, now valued at over £1.1 billion. This growth underscores KISL’s role as a linchpin in the UK’s green energy ambitions, supporting everything from power grid enhancements to decarbonised transport infrastructure.
EMK Capital’s Track Record and Strategic Vision
EMK Capital’s involvement promises to bring additional resources and strategic direction to KISL at a pivotal time for the UK’s infrastructure needs. The private equity firm, with a history of transformative investments, is known for backing mid-market businesses and enabling them to achieve world-class status through targeted growth strategies. With EMK’s backing, KISL plans to leverage this expertise to expand geographically and enhance its service offerings, while continuing to prioritise quality and safety.
EMK’s credentials in this space are well-established. The firm’s experience includes guiding Morrison Utility Services through its spin-out from Anglian Water, setting it on the path to becoming a leading utility and infrastructure provider in the UK. EMK’s involvement is seen as a crucial catalyst that will allow KISL to scale operations and enhance service delivery at a time when the demand for resilient, low-carbon infrastructure is more pressing than ever.
Darren James, CEO of KISL, highlighted this synergy in his statement: “KISL is well-placed to realise our potential in the energy transition and decarbonised transport market with our strong market position and sustainable business approach. EMK Capital’s deep understanding of the infrastructure and engineering services sector, coupled with its expertise in delivering transformational growth, will enable us to take meaningful steps towards geographic and service offering expansion, while maintaining our high-quality customer relationships and safety-driven employee culture.”
Driving the UK’s Green Energy Transition
The acquisition is poised to play a significant role in the broader shift towards a low-carbon, energy-secure future. As the UK government continues to push forward with its net-zero targets, investment in critical infrastructure—from renewable energy networks to electric transportation corridors—will be essential. KISL, with its broad service range across power, rail, highways, and renewables, is uniquely positioned to lead these efforts.
The company’s integrated solutions span design, engineering, installation, and maintenance, offering clients a one-stop shop for infrastructure needs. In recent years, KISL has made strategic moves into high-voltage and renewable energy markets, with acquisitions that have bolstered its capabilities in these rapidly growing sectors. These efforts are already bearing fruit, as seen in the company’s substantial order book and the strong relationships it has built with blue-chip infrastructure operators.
KISL’s ability to deliver complex, highly regulated projects efficiently and safely is underpinned by a team of over 1,100 dedicated technical staff. These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, enabling the company to tackle some of the UK’s most challenging infrastructure projects.
A Future Built on Partnerships and Innovation
Looking ahead, KISL’s growth will be driven by several key trends shaping the UK’s infrastructure landscape. The increasing need for investment in critical assets, coupled with the ongoing digitalisation of infrastructure and the shift towards a low-carbon economy, presents significant opportunities for companies like KISL. By maintaining its customer-first philosophy and leveraging EMK Capital’s financial and strategic resources, KISL is well-positioned to lead the way in creating a resilient, sustainable infrastructure network.
EMK Capital’s support will not only enhance KISL’s ability to scale its operations but will also open doors for potential acquisitions that could further strengthen its market position. The combination of organic growth and targeted acquisitions will be key to KISL’s strategy as it seeks to expand both its geographical footprint and its service capabilities.
Positive Momentum for UK Infrastructure
As the UK’s energy and transport sectors navigate an era of unprecedented change, the partnership between KISL and EMK Capital promises to deliver the expertise and innovation needed to meet these challenges head-on. With a focus on sustainable growth, client satisfaction, and operational excellence, KISL is set to play a leading role in shaping the future of the UK’s infrastructure landscape.
The acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for KISL, one that is set to bring significant benefits not only to its clients and employees but also to the wider industry. As the UK accelerates its transition to a green, energy-secure future, KISL, backed by EMK Capital, is well-equipped to meet the needs of an evolving market and contribute to the country’s long-term infrastructure goals,
