One of the county’s most recognised major infrastructure companies is set to be sold in a major multi-million pound deal.

The family-run public works company FM Conway, based in Sevenoaks, has been owned by the Conway family since it was founded in 1961 by Francis Conway.

His son, Michael Conway, took over the firm and ran it for more than 40 years. He died in March 2022, having previously moved to become the firm’s chairman, after a six-year battle with cancer.

His daughter, Joanne Conway, was managing director at the time of his passing and is now executive group chair.

The firm specialises in roadworks, civil engineering and asphalt as well as a range of specialist businesses to support its core work. Its turnover for the year ending March 2024 was £580 million.

But it has now agreed a takeover deal with VINCI Construction

In 2023, VINCI Construction’s UK division generated a total revenue of £2.2 billion – with a total workforce of 6,700 employees – through its five business lines: Eurovia (road construction), Ringway (maintenance services), Taylor Woodrow (civil engineering), VINCI Building (building) and VINCI Facilities (facility management).

The completion of the takeover is subject to any necessary regulatory approvals and is expected by early 2025.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Joanne Conway said: “We’re a proud family business that has grown considerably through sheer hard work and determination to become an industry leader and a significant part of the UK’s critical infrastructure delivery.

“The time is now right for the next chapter of our growth story. Beyond the obvious operational and commercial synergies, we share a set of values with VINCI and an approach to business that’s about putting people first, doing great work, and respecting the communities we operate in.”

Scott Wardrop, chief executive of the UK division of VINCI Construction, added: “This acquisition is a clear indication of our ambition to strengthen our business, through greater self-delivery and grow the circular economy in our UK market sectors. FM Conway is an excellent commercial and cultural fit for us, especially for Ringway, Eurovia and Taylor Woodrow.

“It has a powerful heritage and we are privileged to be in a position to build on the Conway family’s legacy. We’re looking forward to working alongside the FM Conway team to take the business to the next stage.”