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Ancora Group

Ancora Group: Integrated group of marine contractors delivering infrastructure and coastal defence across the UK

About Ancora Group

The Ancora Group, comprising Teignmouth Maritime Services (TMS), Hesselberg-Hydro and Marine Plant Hire, specialises in the repair, construction and redevelopment of marine infrastructure across the UK’s waterways and tidal coastal environments. Ancora’s long-term ambition is to build a nationwide network of self-delivering marine contractors, with deep expertise and in-house capability.

Teignmouth Maritime Services (TMS)

  • A leading provider of marine construction services, including commercial diving, pilling, marine plant hire, flood defences, emergency infrastructure repairs, dredging and maintenance
  • Over 30 years’ experience as a Principal Marine Contractor, providing a full, one-stop-shop construction service
  • Works as sub-contractor for large civil engineering and construction firms, providing specialist marine expertise and access to its owned marine fleet and land-based plant

Hesselberg-Hydro

  • The UK’s only hydraulic engineering specialist in Open Stone Asphalt (“OSA”) technology, a low carbon alternative to traditional concrete applications for dams and coastal defences
  • HH’s asphalt product solutions offer a unique combination of low cost and low environmental impact compared to its competitors

Marine Plant Hire Limited

  • A marine asset leasing business operating a fleet of 23 vessels and a range of plant equipment to support the delivery of marine infrastructure projects for TMS and other similar suppliers
  • The equipment includes survey vessels, tugs, work boats, safety boats, flat top pontoons and barges
Sullivan Street has helped Ancora Group
  • Strengthen internal systems and processes to support rapid scaling organically and via acquisition.
  • Organise the senior team into a more typical board and company governance structure, to enable strategic planning and controlled change.
  • Support the execution of targeted M&A strategies to accelerate growth and expand geographic and service coverage.
The Opportunity

The UK’s marine infrastructure is under increasing strain due to ageing assets, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events, all against a backdrop of historic underinvestment. With substantial public and private sector funding now being deployed into flood defences, coastal protection, and port upgrades, demand for specialised marine civil engineering services is rising sharply. Yet the market remains highly fragmented and underserved by scaled, self-delivering providers.Ancora Group is uniquely positioned to lead the sector’s transformation, combining technical capability, in-house vessel and plant ownership, and a strong reputation with Tier 1 contractors and public authorities. With Sullivan Street’s backing, Ancora is now entering its next phase of growth through three strategic priorities:

  1. Platform scaling: Professionalising internal functions and enhancing leadership to support scalable, efficient delivery of increasingly complex projects.
  2. M&A-led consolidation: Building a national network through the acquisition of regional marine contractors, expanding geographic coverage and specialist capabilities.
  3. Market expansion: Increasing exposure to high-growth areas such as inland waterways, water utilities, and sustainable materials through Hesselberg-Hydro’s low-carbon asphalt technology.
Ancora Logo
Status

Current

Situation

Buyouts

Sector

Marine Civil Engineering

Headquarters

Dawlish, UK

Investment Date

March 2025