US private equity giant H.I.G. Capital has bought fast-growing utilities contractor Avove, betting on a surge in UK spending on water and power infrastructure. The Chorley-based contractor, which employs more than 800 people, has enjoyed strong growth since being carved out of Amey Utilities by UK-based private investor Rubicon Partners in 2022 and rebranded as Avove. The business traces its roots to Enterprise Utility Services, acquired by Amey in 2013 before becoming Amey Utilities and later being spun out under Rubicon ownership. Avove has established itself as a major design and build contractor for regulated water, wastewater and power clients.