Construction giant Wates has acquired housing social landlord ForHousing’s repairs business, Liberty.

Liberty, which has 50 social housing clients and covers the North West, North East and South West of England, recorded a turnover of £120 million in 2023-24.

The business’s 1,100 employees will join Wates, taking the firm’s total amount of staff to over 6,000.

Wates says the acquisition will support its expansion into the heating and compliance market, as well as into renewable energy services.

Liberty will continue to trade under its own name as part of Wates Property Services.

Ray Jones, Liberty’s Group Managing Director, said: “By joining Wates, we enter the next stage of our growth and development. Our combined service provision brings a stronger offer to both existing and potential clients, especially in property and renewable energy decarbonisation; services to which Liberty and Wates are strongly connected. This new step forward will ensure continued high-quality services for Liberty’s current clients and their tenants, as well as an exciting future for Liberty and Wates and our people.”

Eoghan O’Lionaird, Wates’ CEO, said: “Most importantly, Wates and Liberty are both purpose-driven businesses. At Wates, we reimagine places for people to thrive, ensuring all our work brings positive benefit to people, places, and planet. We are pleased to be bringing together companies that share these values, as well as a successful track record in this sector. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues as we take this exciting step into the future together.”