Both Acrow and Mabey specialise in pre-engineered modular bridges to help develop and repair essential infrastructure in urban and rural areas.

According to most recent published results, Mabey Bridge, which is a subsidiary of Mabey Holdings, ran up a £1.8m loss from £24m revenue in 2017, largely down to the closure of its wind turbine mast business.

Bill Killeen, Acrow CEO, said: “Mabey is a business that we have long thought would be an outstanding fit with Acrow.

“We have great respect for Mabey and the strong business its team has built, and we are excited to bring together the immensely talented Acrow and Mabey teams from around the globe to drive our businesses to new strata of success.”

Juliette Stacey, Group CEO of Mabey Holdings, said: “Due to our admiration for the strength of competition with Acrow over the years we believe this is the best solution in strengthening the future of both businesses.”

Killeen said that uniting the businesses will give a more expansive global reach, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, a larger product portfolio, more access to commercial and governmental banking solutions.

Both firms will continue to operate under their own brands. Financial terms of the deal are not being disclosed.