THE ARTHUR McKay brand will be retained “at least for the medium term” said the chief executive of Servest Group, which yesterday completed the acquisition of the Midlothian-based building services and facilities management company.

Rob Legge also confirmed that all staff will be retained “to ensure a smooth transition for the business and its customers”.

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“Typically with our acquisitions, we immediately integrate them into the core Servest business, but with Arthur McKay we plan to run it as almost a separate entity,” he said, adding that Servest’s existing maintenance division will be incorporated into Arthur McKay.

“Servest already had a good presence in Scotland through our West Lothian office, but this will allow us to expand that presence, in addition to Arthur McKay’s other offices.”

He added that the acquisition would be “positive news” for Arthur McKay’s 940 staff.

“Because Arthur McKay focused very much on one maintenance service and Servest Group provides the full range of facilities services from catering and cleaning to security, landscaping and pest control... it will allow [Arthur McKay staff] greater career progression, the opportunity to take on new knowledge and skills and deliver a greater range of services and projects to bigger clients.”

Mr Legge explained that the purchase was attractive to the acquisitive Servest because of its mechanical & electrical maintenance capability in Scotland and across the UK. “Like Servest, they support both public and private sector clients across the UK, so it’s a good match,” he said.