The deal transfers full ownership of the 148-year-old business and its subsidiaries to an internal management team made up of current directors, senior managers, and existing shareholders.

The new board is made up of David Barker, Neil Benwell, Trevor Codd, Ben Green, and Doug Mumford.

Darling and Posnett, who bought into WW Martin in 2011 after long careers with Mowlem, will step down from their director and shareholder roles by the end of the year after overseeing a sustained period of growth.

Under their leadership, WW Martin’s turnover has climbed from £19m to £61m, with pre-tax profit up 30% to £4.98m last year.

Operating margin improved to 7.2%, while cash at bank rose 26% to £18.1m, leaving the group debt-free and well placed for future expansion.

The contractor continues to benefit from steady workload under Kent County Council’s £500m Property Construction Partnership Framework, where it is currently delivering new schools in Deal and Teynham. More schemes under the framework are awaiting planning decisions and expected to feed into next year’s results.

The company said the change of ownership had been carefully planned to ensure continuity of leadership and business stability. Darling and Posnett will remain involved for a short handover period before retiring at the end of the year.

A company statement said the new board would continue to focus on “business as usual”, with no changes to operations, staff roles, or project delivery. The team remains fully invested in maintaining the firm’s long-standing values and reputation as one of Kent’s most trusted contractors.

WW Martin, founded in 1877, now employs more than 100 staff across its major works and special projects divisions, supported by sister businesses WWM Civils, KRS Interiors, East Kent Brickwork, and WWM Plant Hire.

The business is forecasting modest growth of around 5% for the year ahead, with margins expected to remain in line with 2025.