Fairley Gunn Group Strengthens Radiography Division with Acquisition of X-Ray Specialists

Fairley Gunn Group, a North East-based engineering services firm, has announced the acquisition of X-ray technology specialist Axi-Tek Ltd and its subsidiary Metrix NDT Ltd. This strategic acquisition strengthens Fairley Gunn Group’s presence in the UK and Ireland Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) market and expands its geographic footprint.

Axi-Tek, founded in 2012 and based in the Midlands, acquired Metrix NDT in 2020. Metrix NDT supplies and designs X-ray inspection components, systems, and services for manufacturers, universities, research organizations, and technology innovators, offering both standard and bespoke digital radiography inspection systems.

Nicholas Fox, former Managing Director and technical lead of Metrix will continue with the business, working alongside Fairley Gunn Group to ensure client continuity and develop new opportunities.

This acquisition marks the fourth for the Fairley Gunn Group since its founding by Peter Fairley and Jonathan James-Gunn in 2021. The Group, employing over 40 people and generating more than £5.5 million in revenue, was initially formed after acquiring Jarrow-based NDT Electronic Services, a supplier of industrial radiography equipment. Subsequent acquisitions included Northumberland-based Gilligan Engineering Services, and Gateshead-based Select Controls Systems.

Peter Fairley, Managing Director and co-founder of Fairley Gunn Group expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “We are very proud to welcome Axi-Tek and Metrix NDT into the Group, extending our capabilities to support the NDT sector with advanced radiography inspection systems. Fairley Gunn widens our solution offering with standard and bespoke digital inspection systems, and Metrix benefits from an increase in resource and engineering support availability. The businesses share our vision to champion and support British manufacturing, and through this acquisition, we are strengthening the opportunities for the group by growing our customer base and complementary services.”

Advising on the acquisition were several key players: Carl Swansbury, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance at RG Corporate Finance (RGCF), alongside CF Senior Manager Connor McBride and CF Executive Euan Mulholland. Financial and Tax Due Diligence was carried out by RG Director Andy Cameron, RG Senior Manager Will Spafford, and RG Manager Jordan Trower-Quinn, with tax advice from RG Tax Partner Simon Whiteside and RG Tax Director Simon Hopwood. Legal advice was provided by Newcastle-based Mincoffs Solicitors, led by Corporate Partner Chris Hughes and Corporate Associate Solicitor Max Gilchrist.

The shareholders of Axi-Tek and Metrix NDT were advised by Michael Knibbs from Cenpro Legal and Roy Harby and Tom Marshall from Lemans.

Carl Swansbury commented, “Fairley Gunn Group has delivered strong, sustainable growth through both organic activities and strategic acquisitions. We are delighted to have advised on this acquisition, which reflects the ambitions of the founders and their workforce to deliver niche and specialist engineering services in demand across various industries. The next stage of Fairley Gunn Group’s growth, involving a significant fundraising initiative, will ensure the group has the capital required for further acquisitions.”

Chris Hughes of Mincoffs Solicitors added, “We were delighted to advise Fairley Gunn Group on their acquisition of Axi-Tek and Metrix NDT, marking another significant milestone for the Group. It was fantastic to achieve a successful outcome for Peter and the management team, and we look forward to supporting their future expansion.”