SOLAR panel installer Chiltern Solar Ltd has been sold to a Cotswolds environmental and ecological services company Agrivert in a deal overseen by KBS Corporate.

Agrivert was identified as a suitable acquirer in its desire to diversify its service offering.

The Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire-based company, founded in 1994, is an award-winning provider of organic waste management solutions, operating recycling and renewable energy plants both in the UK and internationally.

Chiltern Solar, based in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, specialises in the design, supply and installation, around London and the home counties, of solar photo voltaic (PV) systems which generate clean and efficient energy for households and businesses.

Directors Steve and Julie Gamston instructed KBS Corporate to preside over a sale of their business, which they founded in 2011, to facilitate their retirement plans, believing they had taken the company as far as they could and that the timing was prime for a larger corporate entity to continue the growth.

Luke Rae, the KBS corporate deal executive who oversaw the transaction, said: “Chiltern Solar is a magnificent business at the forefront of renewable technology. The acquisition by Agrivert will allow continued development in a high-growth sector whilst continuing high standards of customer service and environmental protection.

“The business will provide a further sting to Agrivert’s offering and allow them to enter a new sector whilst also maintaining the high standard of services they offer.”

A transition period will now take place during which Agrivert will integrate Chiltern Solar’s operations team and processes into the wider group and allowing, in time, for Steve and Julie Gamston to retire.

Mr Gamston said: “Julie and I are very excited that Chiltern Solar is joining forces with Agrivert for the next chapter of business growth and expansion. This strategic move opens doors to new resources, expertise and opportunities and will enable the business to extend its reach and increase its impact in the solar PV marketplace.

“Our decision to sell Chiltern Solar was made with confidence in Agrivert’s commitment to upholding our values, their proven track record in the renewable energy sector and their vision for continued growth and success.”

Phil Earl, chief executive of Agrivert, added: “Expanding our capabilities into other forms of renewable energy is an important next step for the group as we continue to grow.

“This acquisition allows us to widen our customer base but also enables us to bring new solutions to our existing customers and opportunities for our staff.

“We have been very impressed with Chiltern Solar’s growth in recent years, their capability and expertise in solar PV and we look forward to accelerating that as part of Agrivert.”