Penningtons Manches Cooper advises SOCOTEC on its acquisition of Lloyds Datum Group

Posted: 25/09/2025

The corporate team at Penningtons Manches Cooper has advised SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, the leading provider of testing, inspection, compliance and certification services for the construction, infrastructure, and environmental sectors in the UK and Ireland on the acquisition of Lloyds Datum Group, experts in foundation testing, structural monitoring, geotechnical and environmental systems.

Lloyds Datum Group (LDG), based near Belfast, has over 25 years of experience operating in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and mainland UK, earning itself a reputation as a trusted provider of foundation pile testing and monitoring, including asset integrity and stability monitoring, along with expertise in civils, with a focus on micro piling and anchoring.

The Penningtons Manches Cooper team advising SOCOTEC UK was led by corporate partner Richard Wrigley, with support from corporate associates Rob Hallmark and Fars Aziz. The wider team included support from corporate tax partner Oliver Gutman, IP, IT and Commercial senior associates Nora Pook and Thomas Kirby, employment senior associate Victoria Spires, and pensions senior associate Clare Coley.

Jason Goodwin, SOCOTEC UK CFO says: "The acquisition of Lloyds Datum Group marks a significant milestone in SOCOTEC’s strategic growth across the UK and Ireland. We’re excited about the opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between LDG and SOCOTEC and the growth this acquisition brings in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The team at Penningtons Manches Cooper have ensured the smooth completion of this deal whilst showcasing their knowledge and expertise in the sector."

Richard Wrigley, partner at Penningtons Manches Cooper adds: "We are delighted to have worked with SOCOTEC on another acquisition. This marks our ninth transaction with SOCOTEC, and we are pleased to have been a part of their growth journey so far. We look forward to seeing how the acquisition of LDG will help to further expand SOCOTEC's operations into Ireland and enable further growth." 

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