EcoGenR8 Ltd (trading as AFECO)

Engineering Expertise Across Water, Marine & Energy

Founded in 2010, EcoGenR8 Ltd, trading as AFECO, is a cleantech innovation company delivering specialist engineering services across the water, marine and energy sectors.

The Hampshire-based business has developed strong expertise in mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control and automation (MEICA) services and solutions. Its offering spans water, wastewater and biosolids treatment, alongside energy generation and consultancy services.

AFECO provides tailored project delivery, including design, installation and commissioning, supporting clients with innovative and efficient solutions in highly regulated and technically complex environments.

Unlocking Opportunities in UK Water

The transaction was driven by strategic growth ambitions. The shareholders sought a partner that could enhance AFECO’s operational scale, strengthen its market presence and unlock further opportunities within the UK infrastructure and water sectors.

A Trusted Innovator in the Water Sector

AFECO has built an outstanding reputation within the water industry for innovation and problem-solving. Its specialist MEICA expertise and ability to deliver tailored, technically robust solutions differentiate it within a competitive infrastructure services market.

“AFECO has an outstanding reputation in the water industry for innovation and problem-solving. This acquisition will complement our existing activities and help extend our service offering to include mechanical, electrical controls and automation. We are looking forward to working closely with AFECO’s management team to unlock further potential on behalf of our combined customers.”

Neil Armstrong, Chairman and CEO, United Living Group

The business operates at a time of increasing regulatory and operational pressure within the water sector, positioning its solutions as critical to helping clients meet efficiency, sustainability and compliance requirements.

Delivering a Strategic Infrastructure Partnership

The transaction was led by John Hunt, Corporate Finance Director at KBS, alongside George Dalton, Corporate Finance Manager.

KBS positioned AFECO as a high-quality, technically specialist business operating in a resilient and strategically important sector. A targeted process engaged buyers capable of supporting long-term growth while recognising the value of AFECO’s technical capability and management team.

A key priority throughout negotiations was securing a partner that would allow the founders to remain actively involved in the next stage of the business’ development. KBS ensured the transaction structure aligned the interests of both parties and was delivered in a collaborative and constructive manner.

A Platform for Operational and Financial Expansion

AFECO was successfully acquired by United Living Group, a leading independent infrastructure, construction and property services company.

Following completion, AFECO will sit within United Living’s Infrastructure Services division alongside its existing water operations, expanding the Group’s capabilities in mechanical, electrical, controls and automation services.

Founders Abi Field and Jamie Crouch remain with the business, ensuring continuity of expertise and leadership as the company enters its next phase of growth.

“KBS not only identified an excellent partner for us in United Living but also negotiated a deal which works well for both parties. We quickly learned to appreciate the complexity and challenges of completing a sale of the business and greatly appreciated the advice received from KBS throughout the process. We believe our highly innovative products are a great addition to United Living Infrastructure Service’s offerings and that together we will be able to meet our clients’ evolving needs.”

Abi Field, Founder, EcoGenR8 (AFECO):

Building Integrated Infrastructure Solutions

United Living was attracted by AFECO’s strong reputation for innovation, its specialist MEICA capability and its established position within the water sector.

The acquisition enhances United Living’s service offering at a critical time for the industry, supporting Ofwat’s AMP8 objectives and broader infrastructure investment programmes. AFECO’s expertise complements ULG’s existing activities and strengthens its ability to deliver integrated solutions to customers and stakeholders.

“The acquisition of AFECO by United Living is an excellent fit all round and offers both parties exciting opportunities for growth in terms of operational scale and financial performance. The deal was negotiated and completed in a highly collaborative way which bodes well for the future, and we are delighted with the outcome for Abi and Jamie.”

John Hunt, Corporate Finance Director, KBS Corporate: