News

HFI was proud to be part of this key event in Aberdeen, reconnecting with clients and connections, making new business friends and soaking up the latest market intelligence.

The Sidara acquisition marks the end of an era for Aberdeen’s Wood Group, where Hugh Fraser, Managing Partner, HFI worked as Head of Legal for 8 years before heading out to set up HFI in the Middle East in 2003. Wood Group has accepted a US$292m conditional takeover bid from Dubai-based Sidara and it feels ironic that Wood has also found the road to the UAE. This marks a new chapter for Wood and the deal includes a US$450m capital injection to stabilise and grow the business.

It was a privilege to support the Middle East side of the EXCEED Energy share sale to Kent – many congratulations to the Exceed team led by Ian Mills and to the Kent team led by John Gilley. This strategic move positions Kent as a global leader in decommissioning and well management, with Exceed’s 20-year legacy of decommissioned wells and cutting-edge work in carbon capture and hydrogen storage.

It was a pleasure to catch up with several clients:-

Tom Murdoch, Managing Director, Brimmond, leading Brimmond’s continued growth in hydraulic and mechanical engineering solutions and who are celebrating a record-breaking year with a 74% increase in turnover and major contracts including a 5-year service deal with the British Antarctic Survey;

Kevin Buchan, Managing Director of Petrasco Energy Logistics (a Denholm Energy Services Company), and Alan Green, Regional Director for the Middle East. Petrasco, part of Denholm Energy Services, continues to deliver world-class logistics solutions across Aberdeen, Houston, and Dubai, with a strong focus on energy sector support;

Richard Sadler, Group Head of Procurement & Supply Chain at Score Group, a global leader in valve and emissions management technologies. Score recently celebrated its 40th anniversary and is now part of SCF Partners’ D2Zero cluster, focused on energy transition initiatives including clean hydrogen, CCS, and microgrid resilience;

Kevin Watt, Managing Director, at KCI. KCI are specialists in offshore engineering with over 40 years of experience. Their expertise spans offshore wind foundations, topside structures, and decommissioning projects.

Despite the ongoing decline in oil and gas production in the UK, SPE Offshore Europe 2025 has proven to be a forward-looking event. The energy, innovation, and collaboration on display highlight the sector’s resilience and its commitment to evolving through technology, diversification, and global partnerships. It’s clear that while the landscape is changing, the offshore industry continues to thrive through reinvention and strategic growth.