Knowsley-based Clarke, which already employs more than 1,200 people in 27 countries in Europe, Africa, America and Asia, has bought Co-Energy America based in Boston. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyside-based gas power plant specialist Clarke Energy is expanding its global footprint with the acquisition of a US-based heat and power firm.

Clarke, which already employs more than 1,200 people in 27 countries in Europe, Africa, America and Asia, has bought Co-Energy America based in Boston. The deal will extend the Knowsley company’s reach in the Midwestern US market, which it entered in 2016.

This acquisition includes the addition of 17 new employees and an installed gas engine fleet of 95 units, across five Northeastern US states. Co-Energy America offers turnkey design, build and install along with aftersales support.

This compliments Clarke Energy’s existing product offering and expertise, factors which will be able to be deployed to support the growth of Co-Energy America’s business in the small CHP sector.

Clarke Energy’s chief executive, Jamie Clarke, said “This acquisition gives Clarke Energy strong footprint in the US market. It also expands our technological offering into the smaller CHP market.

“We will look to support the Co-Energy America team through our engineering and aftersales support strengths and capitalise on synergies with our existing Midwestern operations.”

Founded by Jim Clarke in 1989, Clarke Energy installs and maintains power generation plant and equipment at mines, hospitals and major commercial developments. The firm provided the power for the athletes’ village during the London Olympics in 2012 and for the Shard skyscraper at London Bridge.

In 2017 it was acquired by US-based multinational manufacturing giant Kohler Co, a specialist in the engineering, construction, installation and maintenance of engine-based power plants.