Northcross constructs Isys buy-out

Leith design consultancy Northcross is expected to complete the acquisition of exhibition construction company Isys this week.

The deal will give Northcross a predicted total annual turnover of 5m and further acquisitions are not ruled out.

The two companies have operated on a joint venture basis for several months, and have now agreed the terms of a permanent deal, under which Isys will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northcross.

“There are just a couple of signatures to go,” confirms John Slater, managing director of Northcross.

It is understood that the acquisition places a six-figure value on Isys. Ian Marwick, founder of the construction company, will become a director of, and gain equity in, Northcross.

The deal, which will enable Northcross to provide exhibition and retail clients with a design-to-installation service, will see the small existing manufacturing arm of Northcross, Hawk, merged into Isys.

Slater says that all staff will be retained at the enlarged group, and that further recruitment is likely in the future.