Hydraulics & Pneumatics Magazine July/August 2025

NEWS 6 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2025 www.hpmag.co.uk United Air Power acquired by Ingersoll Rand Chester-based compressed air services provider United Air Power (UAP) has been acquired by global industrial manufacturer Ingersoll Rand. UAP, which also operates in Tameside in Greater Manchester and Bradford, West Yorkshire, specialises in the design, installation, distribution, and maintenance of manufacturing-critical compressed air systems and gas-related engineering services. The business serves customers in industries ranging from food and drink, pharmaceuticals and aerospace to glass and building materials. Founded in 1999, UAP employs 30 staff and posted revenues of £7.35 million in 2024.Logros Advisory Partners provided corporate finance advice to UAP founder and majority shareholder Dave Seenan and his management team. The transaction, for an undisclosed sum, was led by Chris Evans and Brian Higgins of Logros, with legal advice to UAP’s shareholders provided by Laura McMorland and Nathan Hughes of Bermans, based in Manchester. Stephen Bryce and John McCaffery of Alexander & Co advised on tax, while Ingersoll Rand was represented by law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain. Chris Evans praised the company’s standing in the market, saying: “United Air Power has built a strong reputation for delivering and servicing high-quality compressed air systems and energy-saving solutions to a wide range of blue-chip industrial customers. The acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Ingersoll Rand in the UK market, adding further depth to its service capabilities and customer reach. “We’re proud to have advised Dave and the team on this successful sale to a global strategic acquirer. United Air Power is a highly-regarded compressor distribution business, and this deal reflects the quality of its service offering and its strong market position across the north.” Reflecting on the deal, Dave Seenan described it as a milestone for the company: “This transaction marks a proud moment in the journey of United Air Power. Joining forces with Ingersoll Rand creates new opportunities for the team and our customers. “I’d like to thank Logros Advisory Partners, particularly Chris Evans, whose sector expertise and hands-on approach was invaluable, for its exceptional management of the whole process, and Laura and Nathan from Bermans for their trusted legal support throughout.” Laura McMorland also expressed her enthusiasm for the outcome, noting: “We, at Bermans, are delighted to have assisted Dave and the team on the sale. It is great to be involved in deals involving successful northern companies, and we wish Ingersoll Rand continued success with the business going forward. “This is the second successful deal in the compressor distribution sector we have worked on alongside Chris Evans. “Compressed air systems have vast uses across a number of industries and their significant and vital role means that businesses of the type of UAP will be an attractive proposition to ambitious acquirers.” Following completion, UAP will become part of Ingersoll Rand’s compressor systems and services business for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI), which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Laura McMorland Challenger Hydraulics expands operations as founders transition to employee ownership model The Challenger Fluid Power Division has completed a significant expansion at its Chesterfield site and formally transitioned to employee ownership, marking a key phase in the company’s long-term succession planning. The hydraulic engineering group, founded in 1988, became an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2022. All employees now hold a financial stake in the business; a move intended to strengthen staff engagement and ensure continuity as founders Richard Green and Sam Pepper begin to step back from daily operations and semi-retire. The group employs over 35 staff across three divisions: Challenger Hydraulics, which manufactures hydraulic cylinders; Comet Fluid Power, a stockist of Semperit hoses and Manuli fittings; and CFP Hydraulic Systems, which designs, builds, and installs hydraulic power units and tyre handling equipment. In addition to the ownership transition, the company has expanded its Chesterfield facility, creating additional workshop and storage space for CFP Hydraulic Systems. The extension will support increased demand for hydraulic power units and allow the group to introduce a new cylinder repair service. A further development is the potential opening of a trade counter at the new facility, to be operated by Comet Fluid Power. It will focus on sales of hydraulic hose, fittings, and Jetwash hose, with the goal of improving local access to stock. Elsewhere, stainless steel fittings supplier JJ Stainless has relocated to the group’s Dewsbury site to enable closer collaboration and broaden the product range to include stainless steel compression fittings, tubing, and adapters. Challenger Hydraulics says its combined capabilities now include the design and manufacture of hydraulic cylinders up to 300 tonnes, power units up to 75kW (electric, petrol, or diesel), and full supply and installation of hose and fittings. The shift to employee ownership is aimed at preserving the company’s independence and operational model, while providing financial incentives for staff and securing its future beyond the founding leadership.

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