Energy Solutions Group (‘ESG’), the UK national operator in the long term support and implementation of Building Energy Management Systems (“BEMS”) and related B2B energy management services, has been sold by Bridgepoint Development Capital (‘BDC’) to SSE plc in a transaction totalling £66 million with the potential for a further £6 million if agreed targets are achieved.

ESG combines technical energy management skills, such as remote energy monitoring, metering, energy analytics and bespoke software solutions, with its heritage as one of the largest players in the long-term support and implementation of intelligent Building Energy Management Systems ('BEMS') in the UK. A 'BEMS' is a computer-based system that controls and monitors a building's mechanical and electrical equipment to enable occupants to work in a comfortable environment whilst significantly reducing energy usage and associated costs.

BDC identified the B2B energy management sector as benefitting from a combination of growing legislative drivers (compelling businesses to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint), rising energy prices and the widespread adoption of corporate and social responsibility initiatives. Since BDC's acquisition in December 2010 at an Enterprise Value of £36 million, ESG has grown to become the largest privately owned player in the BEMS market, with revenues in the past year in excess of £50 million.

Under BDC's ownership, ESG has invested significantly in broadening its energy management offering and expanding its core BEMS capabilities. In particular, two strategically important bolt-on acquisitions were completed: Marsh Systems, in September 2011 and Evolve Energy, in November 2012, alongside a number of important organic growth initiatives.

Derek Lloyd, CEO of ESG, said "With BDC's backing we have developed to become a leading player in the market for corporate energy management and BEMS solutions. As a market leading business, we look forward to the additional access and profile that SSE will bring."

Robin Lawson, director at Bridgepoint Development Capital, said: "ESG is a scarce business that has attained scale in the rapidly evolving and consolidating market for B2B energy management services. It is well positioned to take an increasing share of this growing market as it continues to expand its energy management activities under the ownership of SSE."

Advisers involved in this transaction included: for ESG - Dow Schofield Watts LLP and E&Y (corporate finance), Travers Smith & Laytons (legal); for management - Gateley (legal).