Historic Manchester-based architectural practice Fairhursts Design Group (FDG) has been acquired by Bond Bryan after falling into administration due to mounting debts and project delays. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, was accelerated following the appointment of administrators from Cowgills.

Despite the financial challenges, the acquisition ensures the preservation of all 40 jobs at FDG, now rebranded as Fairhurst Architects. This move allows Bond Bryan to expand its presence into Manchester, Cambridge, and Southampton. It also adds to its existing studios in Sheffield, London, Kent, and Birmingham.

Mark Adey, Managing Director of Fairhurst Architects, expressed optimism about the merger, highlighting the enhanced range of services and growth opportunities for both firms. Matt Hutton, CEO of Bond Bryan, also emphasised the complementary specialisations of the two firms. Their extensive experience, combined expertise in education, advanced manufacturing, residential, science and innovation, workplaces, and higher education would create new opportunities for the firm going forward.

The acquisition follows a year of discussions aimed at merging the two practices, expedited by recent challenges in the built environment sector. The combined workforce now includes architects, technicians, interior designers, lab designers, landscape architects, and strategists.

The sale also reflects a broader trend in the architecture industry, which has seen several practices, such as TDO and Amos Goldreich Architects, succumb to economic pressures recently. With liabilities of around £1.7 million and a fee income of £4.2 million in its last reported accounts, FDG faced significant financial hurdles.

This deal reflects the broader trend of firms in the industry succumbing to economic pressures. Buyers should be aware of these trends and ready to adapt to similar challenges in their target industries.

Bond Bryan’s strategic acquisition of Fairhursts aims to stabilise and grow both businesses, leveraging their shared values and culture to thrive amid the challenging economic landscape. 

Despite the merger, Bond Bryan and Fairhurst Architects will maintain their own brands and offices throughout the UK. They will collaborate on projects, providing clients with the combined expertise of their 180-strong team.