John Sisk & Son completes takeover of Farrans Construction

Irish construction giant John Sisk & Son (Sisk) has finalised its acquisition of Northern Ireland-based Farrans Construction after meeting all legal and regulatory approvals. The transaction, originally announced in September, followed clearance by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC). Financial terms were not disclosed.

Farrans, headquartered in Belfast, has more than 80 years of experience in construction and employs approximately 625 staff across offices in Belfast, Monaghan, London, Edinburgh, and Leeds. The company operates throughout the UK and Ireland, delivering projects in aviation, water, renewable energy, and civil building sectors.

Recent engagements include Belfast Grand Central Station, Leeds Bradford Airport expansion, and a £59M road bridge scheme near Glasgow Airport. It is also part of Anglian Water’s Strategic Pipeline Alliance and a partner in SP Energy Networks’ £5.4bn transmission upgrade framework.

Sisk, founded in Cork in 1859, employs over 2,500 people and delivers complex infrastructure and engineering programmes across Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe. The merger combines two established contractors with complementary operations, enhancing capacity to bid for major public and private infrastructure projects across the region.

Industry analysts note the acquisition aligns with broader consolidation trends in the construction sector, where scale is increasingly necessary to secure high-value contracts, manage supply-chain pressures, and maintain competitiveness.

Farrans’ portfolio in airports and water infrastructure complements Sisk’s track record in transport and energy, while retaining Farrans’ brand and local management supports continuity of client relationships and operational delivery.

The acquisition strengthens Sisk’s presence in Northern Ireland and the wider UK, positioning the company to participate in upcoming infrastructure procurement cycles, including planned public investment in transport, energy, and water networks.

Read the full article for detailed project insights and strategic implications.