OCS has announced a £3.1bn acquisition of Mitie, aligning two businesses that specialise in facilities management and transformation.

The combination would create a UK-headquartered international facilities management group with broader sector expertise and geographic reach.

Mitie was founded in 1987 and employs 84,000 staff to specialise in facilities management, such as engineering maintenance and other services such as hygiene and security. The organisation also has a number of contracts across the governmental sector.

OCS operates across the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East and has 135,000 staff. It is owned by the private equity group ​Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, which owns the Motor Fuel Group petrol station company and acquired the supermarket chain Morrisons in 2021.

Rob Legge, Group CEO at OCS Group, said: “This is an important milestone for both organisations and an exciting opportunity to bring together two highly complementary businesses with a shared commitment to delivering the best outcomes for colleagues and customers. 

"While there is a long process ahead, both businesses remain focused on supporting customers and delivering the high standards they expect every day. Together, we can build something remarkable for our colleagues, our customers and the country.”

Phil Bentley, CEO at Mitie, added: "Today’s announcement is a testament to everything we have achieved at Mitie in recent years – especially the talent and expertise of our people, the business we have built together as well as its future potential.

As part of a larger group with a wider geographical footprint, Mitie would have an even stronger platform to invest in our people, technology and services, and to do even more for the customers and communities we support."