Client stories
Cardo Group expands through acquisition of EFS Systems
Overview
About Cardo Group
Cardo Group is a Cardiff-based provider of building maintenance, compliance, retrofit, and decarbonisation services for housing providers, public sector organisations, and communities across the UK.
The business has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, enhancing its technical expertise and service offering while maintaining a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and local delivery.
Opportunity
Expanding specialist engineering and electrical capabilities across Wales
As part of its continued growth strategy, Cardo Group identified an opportunity to strengthen its existing maintenance and compliance offering through the acquisition of EFS Systems (UK) Limited.
Based in Merthyr Tydfil, EFS Systems is a respected electrical and engineering contractor delivering commercial, industrial and renewable energy projects throughout Wales. Its services include electrical design, installation, inspection, testing and maintenance, alongside fire and security systems, data and networking infrastructure, Solar PV and EV charging solutions.
As such, the acquisition was not only strategically aligned with Cardo Group’s existing maintenance, compliance, retrofit, and decarbonisation offering, but also adds further capability in the form of electrical services and energy-efficient technologies.
Above all, the deal reflects Cardo Group’s continued investment in complementary regional businesses that broaden its technical expertise and strengthen local delivery capability.
What We Did
How our Corporate experts supported Cardo Group’s acquisition
Working closely with Cardo’s leadership team, our specialists provided coordinated legal advice across disciplines of expertise to facilitate a smooth transaction, culminating in a successful acquisition aligned with the Gardo Group’s long-term commercial objectives.
Led by Corporate Partner Emma Borrington, the transaction drew on expertise from Elizabeth Hill and Edmund Anya in Corporate, Sarah Luxmoore in Employment, Krystal Gibbins in Real Estate, Steve Webb in Construction, and Sarah Cardew in Corporate.
Impact
The outcome: Enhanced technical expertise and a stronger Welsh presence
The acquisition of EFS Systems strengthens Cardo Group’s position as a leading provider of maintenance, compliance and decarbonisation services across Wales.
By supporting the transaction, we helped Cardo expand its specialist electrical and engineering capabilities while enhancing its ability to deliver integrated services to clients.
The deal also enables EFS Systems to benefit from Cardo Group’s operational infrastructure and resources, while retaining the specialist expertise and local service delivery that have established EFS Systems as a trusted partner across Wales.
Together, the businesses are well-positioned to drive future growth, deliver innovative energy-efficient solutions, and meet increasing demand for integrated building maintenance and compliance services across the UK.
Reflections from Cardo Group:
Commenting on the transaction, Liam Bevan, CEO of Cardo Group, said:
“We’re really pleased to welcome the EFS Systems team into Cardo Group. Their track record of high-quality, people-focused services aligns closely with how we approach our work.
“Rob and the EFS Systems team have been trusted partners of mine for over 10 years, and we’ve worked closely with them on projects for a wide range of clients during that time.
“This acquisition strengthens our ability to deliver integrated services for our clients, while continuing to grow our presence in key regions. Just as importantly, it brings in a team with the right values and expertise to support our long-term ambitions.”
Reflections from Knights:
Reflecting on the transaction, Corporate Partner Emma Borrington shared:
“We were delighted to support Cardo Group on this acquisition. EFS Systems is a well-regarded business with strong technical capability, and the transaction is closely aligned with Cardo’s strategic objectives.
“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Liam, Alex Crewe and the wider Cardo team on another important transaction, and to support the business as it continues to invest in complementary specialist capabilities.
“We wish everyone at Cardo Group and EFS Systems every success as they take this next step together.”
Key results, in review:
- Strengthened Cardo Group’s electrical and engineering capabilities.
- Enhanced Cardo’s maintenance, compliance, retrofit and decarbonisation offering.
- Increased Cardo’s operational presence across Wales.
- Supported the integration of a respected regional engineering contractor.
- Positioned the business for continued growth through expanded service delivery.
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