A Carlisle construction firm has announced that it has bought a building contractor in southern Scotland.

The family-owned civil engineering, house-building and joinery-making company, Cubby Construction, has taken over Finlaysons Contracts as part of a planned expansion.

The move defies doom and gloom in the market brought on by the pandemic and secures the future of Finlaysons.

Tommy Cubby, owner of the Kingmoor Park Central-based firm, said: “We are very pleased with the opportunities that have been presented in the acquisition of Finlaysons.

“While it is our intention to run the two businesses completely independently, it’s felt that the skills and capabilities of both companies will offer our clients a wider selection of services, over a greater range of project value and complexity.

“The acquisition has been very collaborative and we would like to thank all the parties involved for their proactive and pragmatic approach that’s been taken throughout – this was done without compromising the attention to detail to ensure this will work for all parties going forward.”

Chris McCourt and Darcie Rae, from business advisers and accountants Armstrong Watson’s corporate finance team, acted as advisers for the purchase.

Darcie Rae, corporate finance manager, said: “We are delighted for the Cubby team, as well as the team at Finlaysons.

“The acquisition will not only assist Cubby with their continued and ambitious growth plans in the region, but it will secure a long and prosperous future for both businesses.

“It is a real positive news story amidst the current economic backdrop.”

Michael Walby and Becky Brook, from the corporate team at Burnetts Solicitors' corporate team, provided legal advice.

Mr Walby, a corporate partner at the firm, said: “It was a pleasure to have advised a long-standing client on this transaction.

“It was a real team effort from all involved.”

“The Finlaysons business provides a solid platform for the firm’s expansion into Scotland, and I am confident that Tommy and the team will make it a real success.”