Leading transport infrastructure provider Octavius Infrastructure Ltd (Octavius) has completed the acquisition of specialist rail consultant Navitas Engineering Group (Navitas).

Navitas, through Navitas Engineering and Permarail provides electrical engineering consultancy services to the railway and electricity supply industries. Their 30 strong team complete value-add asset life-cycle services ranging from technical specifications and standards, feasibility studies, through to outline and detailed design, as well as engineering support during scheme implementation, operation, and maintenance.

Navitas will continue to trade under its own name and will remain as a separate Limited company. Louis Nel formed the business 12 years ago and will continue to lead it, joining Octavius as “Managing Director – Navitas” with immediate effect.

Commenting on the purchase, John Dowsett, CEO Octavius said:

“I am delighted we are welcoming the proven Navitas team into the Octavius family. This deal represents another important milestone for Octavius in adding more specialist capability. We are continuing to grow our presence in rail electrification following our recent appointment as Electrification & Plant partner in the Southern Renewals Enterprise with Network Rail in CP7 and CP8. The acquisition also serves our commitment to supporting the decarbonisation agenda.”

Completing this purchase so closely after our recent acquisition of R&W Civil Engineering is a testament to the support we have from Sullivan Street Partners in reinvesting into our long term business strategy that is focused on ambitious, but sustainable growth.”

Navitas Engineering Director Louis Nel added:

“Navitas Engineering and Permarail already enjoy a strong and collaborative working relationship with Octavius. This natural and exciting next step will allow us to build on what we have achieved to date with the support and backing of Octavius.”
Navitas is a highly complementary addition to the Octavius business and represents a key step in the strategic growth and development of their rail expertise, recognising the importance that rail electrification will play in the future of UK transport and their ongoing commitment to decarbonisation. This second acquisition forms part of their strategic growth plans, adding additional capability and capacity into their teams and expanding the breadth and depth of their offering.