BAS, the largest independent player in the long term support and implementation of intelligent building energy management systems in the UK, has been acquired by Bridgepoint Development Capital for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2006 following a buyout from Siemens, BAS specialises in supporting building owners to control, monitor and reduce energy usage via the efficient use of a ‘building energy management system’ (BEMS). The latter is a computer-based control system that controls and monitors the building’s mechanical and electrical equipment to enable occupants to work in a comfortable environment whilst reducing energy usage and associated costs.

BAS typically has long term recurring contracts with clients to support an installed BEMS or undertakes project-based work concerning BEMS upgrades as well as the design and commissioning of new energy management systems.

The broad energy management sector which BAS serves benefits from a combination of powerful legislative drivers compelling businesses to reduce their energy usage and associated carbon footprint, rising energy prices and the increasing need to make more efficient use of scarce energy resources.

According to BAS managing director Brin Sheridan, with backing from Bridgepoint Development Capital, the company is now well-positioned to continue to grow its core support business as well as invest meaningfully in its current energy management solutions offer.

“There is a clear opportunity for BAS to grow its core support and project work where we are already a significant player. In addition, BAS will increasingly become more involved in helping companies design and deliver their broad energy objectives as part of the larger energy management market, using our proprietary software to capture data and informing customers to take more operationally focused decisions about their energy policy.”

“With an investor such as BDC alongside management and the original founders, we now have the support and capital to accelerate our growth aspirations” he said.

The core BEMS market is estimated to be worth over £500 million a year in the UK and is forecast to grow 6% per annum on the back of system support and upgrades. The broader energy management market is estimated to be worth in excess of £2 billion a year.

Alan Payne, a partner at Bridgepoint Development Capital, said: “Investing in BAS represents an opportunity to invest in the fast-growing market for energy management, backing a proven team at a time when market growth is being driven partly by new energy legislation but also by an increasing business awareness of energy efficiency.”

Debt for the transaction was provided by Yorkshire Bank Corporate and Structured Finance. Advisers involved in this transaction included: – for Bridgepoint Development Capital – Dow Schofield Watts (corporate finance), Travers Smith (legal), Ernst & Young (financial due diligence), CIL (commercial due diligence), Investec (valuation); for the bank – Addleshaws (legal); for the vendor – Laytons (legal).

Anesco will provide energy efficiency and micro-generation solutions to domestic and commercial customers. These solutions will cover a broad range of technologies and areas, including solar power, renewable heating, insulation, as well as other energy efficiency measures, including lighting and building energy management systems. In addition, Anesco will also provide energy services to businesses, including energy efficiency consultancy and a range of ongoing energy monitoring solutions.

UK, Berkshire

GE has acquired Remote Energy Monitoring, Ltd. with operations in Tring, Hertfordshire, UK and in Australia.
 
This acquisition enhances GE’s ability to address the European Union’s goals for a lower-emission, higher efficiency energy infrastructure.  Remote Energy Monitoring’s software and hardware technologies allow consumers and utilities to better monitor and manage their energy usage. 

Remote Energy Monitoring’s metering solutions are approved by UK regulators. The modular design of their solutions make them  field upgradeable,  enabling utilities to integrate new capabilities in the future without the time and expense of switching out meters. 

“Advanced software, flexible systems and robust communications are critical elements in modernizing our infrastructure to meet the world’s energy needs,” said Bob Gilligan, vice president of GE’s Digital Energy business. “The accelerating pace of change of the Energy industry demands flexible, cost effective solutions that can be modified to meet the changing needs.”

GE’s end-to-end hardware, software and communications technologies elevate electric metering beyond simply tracking energy consumption.  The metering solutions support enhancements such as remote activation and disconnect, two-way communications between households and utilities, dynamic pricing structures, pre-paid account management, and energy use adjustments in response to peak pricing events. In addition, robust software and communications enable consumers to receive energy information and control energy usage via PC, TV, smart phone and/or other mobile devices.

“Combining Remote Energy Monitoring’s UK smart metering expertise with GE’s worldwide metering, manufacturing and smart grid leadership will expedite the rollout of this important technology, enabling the UK to lead in this area of energy management and efficiency,” said Gilligan.

“Energy companies can install our new meter solution, with its interchangeable and upgradable modules, with the assurance it can be easily adapted to meet future communications and other technological advancements” said Nigel Rzemieniecki, chief executive officer, Remote Energy Monitoring, Ltd. “Adding GE’s resources helps us continue to strengthen our technology development and broaden the reach of our smart, future-proof solution today.”

The transaction closed on January 11, 2011. The entire Remote Energy Monitoring technology and support team will be joining GE. Headquarters will remain in Tring Hertfordshire, U.K.

UK, Hertfordshire