McQuillan Companies expands construction footprint with strategic acquisition

Northern Ireland’s McQuillan Companies, a long-established construction and waste management group based in Lisburn, has acquired Bangor-based Wallace Contracts as it broadens its operational base across Ireland and Britain. The deal strengthens its position in civil engineering, demolition, quarrying and site services.

The family business, which dates back more than 125 years, operates a portfolio spanning John McQuillan Contracts, McQuillan Environmental, McQuillan Outdoor and McQuillan Quarries. Its most recent trading year showed £57.1 million in sales and £2.6 million in profit, supported by a workforce of 196 staff.

Wallace Contracts, founded in 1987 by Graeme and Grace Wallace, delivers insurance repairs, landscaping, winter maintenance, emergency response and general building and maintenance services across corporate, business and public sector clients. The firm employs 40 people, all of whom will join McQuillan Companies as part of the transition.

The acquisition brings Wallace Contracts into the group’s five-site network in Northern Ireland. McQuillan Companies said the move broadens its service capability and deepens the support it can offer existing clients while adding new areas of activity. It confirmed that all services currently delivered by Wallace Contracts will continue without interruption during the integration process.

Group directors said the addition enhances provision across its existing construction-related businesses, with intentions to build on Wallace Contracts’ established foundation in the local market.

The company highlighted opportunities to align the acquired team with its wider operations in civil engineering, demolition and waste management, while diversifying its facilities management offering for public and private customers.

Read the full article for the complete breakdown of the acquisition and service expansion.