Waterford-based fire safety consultants, GSP, have recently been acquired by ORS, a building consultancy firm, in a deal worth an undisclosed sum. GSP, founded in 1995 by Gerry O’Sullivan, provides a range of fire services with offices in Waterford and Kilkenny. Despite primarily operating in the South East, GSP works with all Local Authorities across Ireland and has established partnerships with major companies such as Bank of Ireland, AIB, GlaxoSmithKline, and Boston Scientific.
ORS, the acquiring company, is a multidisciplinary firm that specializes in civil and structural engineering, project management, infrastructure, health and safety, building surveying, fire safety, energy management, and environmental services. Established in 1991 by Paul O’Reilly and Finbar Stuart, ORS employs approximately 200 people across multiple locations including Cork, Donegal, Galway, Westmeath, and Dublin.
The acquisition of GSP by ORS marks the first such deal for the latter, following an investment from private equity firm Erisbeg earlier this year, which resulted in Erisbeg acquiring a majority stake in ORS. ORS plans to gradually assume operational control of GSP Fire, with John Brennan, managing director of ORS, stating that the combination of ORS’s multidisciplinary services with GSP Fire’s fire safety expertise will enable the company to offer comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving demands of the industry. Brennan further added that this collaboration will enhance ORS’s capabilities, diversify their offerings, and create new opportunities for both their teams and clients.
Ger Hodson, director of GSP, expressed excitement about the partnership with ORS and the potential for sustained growth and success. Hodson believes that the collaboration with ORS not only expands their expertise but also reinforces their commitment to providing value to clients and maintaining a strong work ethic.
This acquisition reflects the growing importance of fire safety in the construction and building consultancy industry. With ORS’s established presence and expertise in various disciplines, combined with GSP’s specialized knowledge in fire safety, the partnership is well-positioned to provide comprehensive and innovative solutions to clients across Ireland. The deal also highlights the continued investment and expansion in the Irish construction sector, which is experiencing significant growth and demand for services.
Overall, the acquisition of GSP by ORS represents a strategic move that strengthens both companies’ positions in the market and allows them to better serve their clients’ needs. With the combined expertise and resources, ORS and GSP are poised to make a significant impact in the fire safety and building consultancy sectors in Ireland and beyond.
