Aberdeen subsea controls business seals management buyout

The Aberdeen-based subsea controls engineering division of SEA, part of technology group Cohort, has undergone a management buyout as it looks to build up its core business in the North Sea European energy sector.

Aberdeen-based J&S Subsea exec chairman Matt Blair, engineering director James Morris and business development director Simon Smith.

The move sees the company reverted to a new version of its original trading name, J&S Subsea Limited.

Following the MBO, the business is now wholly owned and managed by the senior leadership team, led by Matt Blair. All 17 personnel have been retained and the firm has plans to expand its engineering and production workforce over the coming months.

The business will continue to focus on refurbishing, designing, manufacturing and engineering controls for the energy sectors and providing operational support where required.

The firm also has plans to move to a new facility in the Aberdeen area that will allow it to support current operational requirements as well as providing options for expansion and “new opportunities”.

Blair, who is executive chairman, said: “We would like to thank SEA for all their support through the last few years and wish them the best for the future.

“We are well positioned to build on our reputation and experience in subsea controls and operational engineering support to drive the business forward in the UK Continental Shelf as well as overseas.

“As businesses engage further in the energy transition, the number of subsea campaigns in the North Sea is on the rise. It’s our strategy to focus on supporting these.”

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