One of Britain's largest building services companies - the SPI (Superior Plumbing Installations) Group has been bought by npower.
The commercial and domestic m&e firm's purchase, completed on January 30, was made by npower to expand its energy services business.

Based in Burntwood, SPI has numerous sites in the Midlands and specialises in m&e installation and maintenance for social housing and public buildings. It employs 500 people across England and Wales and was established in 1966.

The social housing services market for installations, repairs and maintenance, is worth an estimated £13.2 billion. The energy giant said the purchase of SPI means npower is 'well positioned' to improve almost five million homes in the social housing sector and provide its home energy services business to homeowners and tenants.

In 2007, npower hometeam, a central heating installation and boiler servicing business, was created to provide for growth in this business area which employs more than 800 people.

Kevin Miles CEO of npower retail said: 'Looking ahead our plan is to grow the business still further, delivering the same high quality service that current SPI customers and clients enjoy today.'

Steve Huxley SPI chief executive said: 'Over the last twelve months SPI has had a number of parties expressing interest in the business and these were reviewed on their merits. The npower proposition was compelling as it enabled SPI to join a large energy services group who believe in supporting and growing our business.'