Founded in 1987 by David Holmes, DNH is a specialist insurance reinstatement contractor, repairing and restoring domestic and commercial properties affected by fire, flood, storm and subsidence. The company also undertakes structural and subsidence repairs, drying services and asbestos surveys.

Over almost four decades, DNH has built longstanding relationships with some of the UK’s largest insurers and loss adjusters. The business, which operates across the South West, has been led by Managing Director Simon Holmes since 2019.

Astra Holding was selected following a competitive sale process. DNH becomes Astra’s fifth platform business, adding specialist insurance reinstatement and restoration expertise to its growing built-environment portfolio.

The company will retain its established name, team and culture, with Simon continuing to lead it as Managing Director. Astra will provide long-term backing for DNH’s next stage of development, supporting investment in its systems and capacity and the pursuit of further commercial and national growth opportunities.

The Kitson Boyce team was led by Corri Pedrick, Partner and Head of Business, supported by Jayme Nicholson, Partner and Head of Employment. The wider team included Christian Robertson, Commercial Property Partner; and Business team members; Simon Mole,  Kyle Rich,  Stephanie Foulger and Garry Mackay.

Simon Holmes said:

“Astra’s long-term approach means we can continue investing in the reputation, relationships and service that have driven DNH’s success, while gaining the backing to pursue new commercial and national opportunities. They are the right fit for our business, our people and our ambitions, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.

“Kitson Boyce protected our interests throughout the transaction and guided us patiently through a complex process. Corri, Kyle and the wider team worked extremely hard to get the deal over the line, and we always felt that we were in safe hands. I would have no hesitation in recommending Kitson Boyce to another business considering a sale.”

Corri Pedrick said:

“DNH Construction is an outstanding South West business which has achieved significant growth under the Holmes family’s ownership and Simon’s leadership, building a formidable reputation through the quality of its work and its longstanding relationships with insurers and loss adjusters.

“Astra’s acquisition recognises both the strength of the business today and its considerable potential for further growth. This was a significant transaction involving a great deal of work from everyone concerned, and its successful completion reflected the collaborative approach adopted by all parties and their advisers.”

Amit Rai and Sergey Sushentsev, co-founders of Astra Holding Group, said:

“DNH’s standing with its insurers took decades to earn. We’re proud to become custodians of what David and Dawn built and Simon has grown, and we’ll back the team as they take DNH into new markets and geographies.”

Albert Goodman valued and marketed the business and identified the successful buyer. Richard Baker and the team at RT Marke, DNH’s longstanding accountants, provided financial and taxation advice throughout the transaction.