VINCI acquires ION Property Group to form major UK regeneration partnership

VINCI Construction has acquired Liverpool-based developer ION Property Group in a move that will merge the two businesses into a consolidated regeneration platform.

ION, originally founded in 1990 as Neptune Developments, has worked closely with VINCI on a number of UK regeneration schemes in recent years, including projects in Coventry and Chester.

The newly combined venture will operate under the name ION Developments and be based at the Port of Liverpool Building, bringing together senior leadership from both organisations.

The partnership has already delivered success on public sector schemes, including the second phase of the Northgate development in Chester and a city centre regeneration project for Coventry University.

The merged entity will also progress ION’s wider development pipeline across Wirral, Stafford and Wakefield, strengthening its focus on large-scale urban regeneration projects delivered in partnership with local authorities.

Leadership at ION has said the move reflects growing demand for specialist regeneration partners with the capability, funding strength and delivery track record to unlock complex public sector sites.

VINCI stated the acquisition will enhance its ability to support local authorities in delivering long-term regeneration and place-based development across the UK.

The deal also sees the exit of ION founders Peter Hynd and Gavin Douglas, who step away following completion of the transaction.