UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has advised Obsequio Group on the acquisition of two national specialist compliance businesses, Abbey Fire UK and Clear Flow Water Treatment, in a deal that underscores the firm's deep expertise in advising on M&A transactions across the facilities management, built environment and retail sectors.

The transactions bring more than 100 specialist additional professionals into Obsequio Group’s fire safety, water hygiene, security, asbestos, energy and environmental compliance services. The move will significantly expand its fire safety and water hygiene service lines, reinforcing the group's position as one of the UK's leading building compliance providers.

Abbey Fire UK is a Runcorn-based fire safety specialist with 83 colleagues, renowned for delivering Ansul commercial kitchen fire suppression and duct cleaning services to some of the UK's most recognisable retail and hospitality brands.

Clear Flow Water Treatment is a North East-based specialist in Legionella control and closed system water treatment, with an established reputation for delivering risk assessments, disinfection and maintenance services to a diverse range of clients.

The Browne Jacobson team advising on the transaction included Corporate Partner Clare Hanna with Mike Jackson, Craig Thomas, Jack Milnthorpe, Morgan Summerfield and Jessica Lall. 

Clare Hanna said: "Our sector knowledge is important in navigating the complexities of cross-sector deals. We regularly work with acquirers, investors and management teams on M&A activity in heavily regulated environments, whether that involves fire safety legislation, health and safety law or environmental compliance obligations, and that depth of understanding makes a real difference when it comes to completing transactions with speed and accuracy."

The deals also reflect Browne Jacobson's strength in advising clients pursuing buy-and-build strategies, where an understanding of sector-specific regulatory risk, due diligence requirements and integration considerations is essential to completing transactions efficiently.