News
LDC-backed Stonbury diversifies with strategic acquisition
21 Oct 2026
Stonbury, the leading UK water and environmental sustainability specialist, has acquired Thompsons Group, bringing an additional 50 highly skilled employees into its fold, diversifying its service offering and expanding its UK footprint.
The acquisition marks a significant step in Stonbury’s ongoing buy and build strategy and follows a new round of investment from private equity investor LDC, alongside new minority co-investor Federated Hermes.
Headquartered in Bedfordshire, Stonbury delivers innovative, low-carbon solutions to maintain, repair and refurbish critical water assets – from drinking water provision to wastewater treatment. The business also delivers nature-based solutions including river restoration and natural flood management. With LDC’s support since December 2022, Stonbury has significantly expanded its service capabilities across wastewater, environment and technology-enabled services, strengthening its market position.
Thompsons Group, headquartered in Derbyshire, is an arboricultural and environmental services specialist. This includes commercial tree surgery, vegetation management, tree and ecology surveys, habitat creation, fencing and large-scale tree planting.
The acquisition strengthens Stonbury’s capability to deliver integrated environmental solutions to its customers, and all employees, including Thompsons Group founder Jack Thompson, will remain with Stonbury and are committed to supporting the next phase of growth.
This acquisition marks an important growth milestone for Stonbury, and Thompsons Group brings exceptional technical expertise, a talented team and a proven track record in its market."
Colin continues: “It broadens our service capabilities and enables us to offer truly integrated solutions to our customer base, from water treatment and asset management through to environmental and ecological services.”
Jack Thompson, Managing Director at Thompsons Group, added: “Joining Stonbury is the right move for Thompsons Group at this stage of our development. Our environmental and arboriculture services sit naturally alongside Stonbury’s water expertise, and there’s real potential to cross-sell and deliver enhanced solutions to customers across both businesses. We’re excited to join a business that’s reshaping how the UK manages its critical water and environmental infrastructure.”
David Bains, Partner and Head of East Midlands and East of England at LDC, added: “The Stonbury team has built strong momentum over the past four years. This acquisition, of a leading Derbyshire-based business, adds important expertise and geographical reach in environmental services to Stonbury’s existing capabilities – areas where we see real growth potential. Our reinvestment reflects our continued confidence in their growth strategy and the market opportunity ahead.”
Stonbury and LDC were advised by Provantage Corporate Finance, Howes Percival and RSM UK Consulting,
Thompsons Group was advised by BRM Solicitors and Gravitate Corporate Finance.