Interserve

{{Main|Tilbury Douglas}}

Interserve could trace its origins to 1884, when the London and Tilbury Lighterage Company Limited was formed to transfer goods by sailing barge to and from ships on the River Thames, London, England.[http://www.interserve.com/about-interserve/our-history Interserve History] Company website Retrieved 11 March 2013 In 1888 the company expanded into dredging, securing a contract with the Port of London (PLA) to remove dredged ballast. The company changed its name several times, eventually operating for 56 years as Tilbury Contracting and Dredging Company Limited (TCDC) from 1908. Several of the company's vessels were requisitioned for war duties during World War I where they took part in various military campaigns including in the Dardanelles, Archangel and the Persian Gulf.[http://www.thamestugs.co.uk/T--C---and--D--LTD.php Tilbury Contracting and Dredging Company Limited] Thames Tugs History Website Retrieved 7 March 2013 Lightering gradually declined due to the increase of road traffic, and dredging became the mainstay of the company.[http://listofcompanies.co.in/interserve-plc/ List of Companies company profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045421/http://listofcompanies.co.in/interserve-plc/ |date=4 March 2016 }} Retrieved 7 March 2013 In 1938 the company's lighterage fleet was amalgamated with vessels owned by W H J Alexander Limited and Tate and Lyle Limited to form Silvertown Services Limited and TCDC severed its links with its original business activity.

In World War II, many of the company's fleet of tugs were again requisitioned, controlled by the Royal Navy examination service, where they were used to patrol harbour and river entrances.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/60/a4179260.shtml BBC WW2 People's War - An Archive of World War Two Memories] BBC History Website 11 June 2005 Retrieved 17 March 2013 TCDC tugs and barges were also represented within the merchant marine fleet that took part in Operation Dynamo, commonly known as the Dunkirk evacuation.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uJgxAAAACAAJ&q=B.E.F.Ships+Before,+at+and+After+Dunkirk |title=B. E. F. Ships Before, at and After Dunkirk |year=1999 |author1=Winser, John De S. |access-date=7 March 2013 |isbn=978-0905617916 |publisher=World Ship Society |location =Chatham, Kent, UK}} In June 1944, company tug Danube VI[http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/UK/LondonGazette/38110.pdf "Despatch submitted to the Supreme Commander, Allied Expeditionary Force on the 16th October, 1944, by Admiral Sir Bertram H. Ramsay, K.C.B., M.V.O., Allied Naval Commander-in-Chief, Expeditionary Force"] Published in the London Gazette Tuesday 28 October 1947, Retrieved 17 March 2013 participated in Operation Neptune, the D-Day invasion of Normandy, known as the Normandy landings by towing the 'Phoenix' (mulberry harbour breakwater units) and 'Whale' (floating roadway units that connected the mulberry harbour pier heads to the landing beaches),[http://www.thamestugs.co.uk/MULBERRY-TUGS-%5B1%5D.php Mulberry Tugs] Thames Tugs History Website Retrieved 17 March 2013 as well as ammunition barges from Littlehampton across the English Channel to the Normandy beachhead. Company tug Danube V took part in pipelaying activities during July 1944, as part of Operation Pluto, which brought together British scientists, oil companies and the armed forces in the construction of undersea oil pipelines under the English Channel between England and France to transport fuel supplies to Allied forces on the European continent.

As the UK sought to rebuild infrastructure after World War II, the company established a civil engineering capability in the 1940s to participate in this activity; together with building these had become the company's focus by the 1960s. In 1964, a Port of London Authority dredging contract ended, 76 years after it was first awarded, and the company ceased to operate as a dredging contractor in the UK. In 1965 the remaining fleet of dredging vessels was sold to Westminster Dredging Company Limited. The company, by then named Tilbury Contracting Group Limited, applied for admission of its shares onto the London Stock Exchange and trading commenced on 12 October 1966.

In 1991 Tilbury acquired RM Douglas, another construction and civil engineering business, the combined business becoming known as Tilbury Douglas. Although both groups had a UK-wide presence, the rationale of the acquisition was that the two companies complemented each other. Tilbury Group was headquartered in Reading and predominantly involved in building work in the South of England and in Scotland, while R M Douglas was headquartered in Birmingham and its strongest regional presence was in the Midlands and the North of England with a strong bias towards civil engineering projects. In common with many major national and regional contractors in the post-war period, R M Douglas successfully bid for work in the construction of airfields and motorways where it completed various UK motorway building projects in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

The acquisition of Douglas also brought with it the construction equipment company Rapid Metal Developments (RMD) a formwork and falsework manufacturer incorporated in 1948, together with joint ventures in Oman (Douglas OHI)[http://www.douglasohi.com/ Douglas OHI > Home] and United Arab Emirates (Khansaheb),{{cite web|url=http://khansaheb.ae/page.php?pageid=9|title=Khansaheb Civil Engineering - UAE: History|work=khansaheb.ae|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126220310/http://www.khansaheb.ae/page.php?pageid=9|archive-date=26 November 2014|url-status=dead}} both of which were initially established by Douglas in 1981. This expanded the geographical coverage of the company to the Middle East and this presence was further strengthened by the establishment of a joint venture in Qatar (Gulf Contracting Company).{{Cite web |url=http://www.gulfcontracting.com/aboutus.php?pid=1 |title=Message from Chairman of Gulf Contracting Co W.L.L. |access-date=21 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310043432/http://www.gulfcontracting.com/aboutus.php?pid=1 |archive-date=10 March 2013 |url-status=dead }}

A series of acquisitions and disposals in the late 1990s and 2000 moved the group's focus away from property development and housebuilding, as it sought to build presence in the maintenance and facilities management sectors, though it retained a strong presence in traditional construction contracting. Acquisitions included electrical engineering contractor J R Williams in 1997,[https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/tilbury-eyes-growth-with-me-move-02-10-1997/ Tilbury eyes growth with mechanical & electrical move] Construction News, 2 October 1997 the facilities management and engineering services business How Group purchased for £46m in 1998,[https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/big-plans-for-maintenance-and-me-if-46-million-takeover-offer-is-accepted-tilbury-to-launch-fm-giant-from-how-deal-21-05-1998/ Big plans for maintenance and M&E if £46 million takeover offer is accepted Tilbury to launch FM giant from How deal] Construction News, 21 May 1998 the £75m takeover of industrial and equipment services specialist Bandt Group in 1999[https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/group-strengthens-its-support-services-position-with-agreed-75m-takeover-offer-tilbury-douglas-tunes-to-fm-with-bandt-deal-15-07-1999/ Group strengthens its support services position with agreed £75m takeover offer Tilbury Douglas tunes to FM with Bandt deal] Construction News, 15 July 1999 and, in a £75m purchase, facilities management company Building and Property, responsible for providing accommodation and property services to government departments.[http://citywire.co.uk/money/tilbury-douglas-in-75m-acquisition/a216793 Tilbury Douglas in £75m acquisition] Citywire Money 15 December 2000

During this period the company disposed of its Scottish housebuilding business to Persimmon plc, diminishing the significance of revenues from traditional construction contracting workstreams,{{cite web|url=http://www.interserve.com/media/financereports/Annual_Results_announcement_2001.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030741/http://www.interserve.com/media/financereports/Annual_Results_announcement_2001.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 March 2016|title=Annual Results announcement 2001|work=interserve.com|access-date=22 March 2015}} with the newly diversified group now earning significant revenue through its facilities management and maintenance capability, which are otherwise known as support services provision. To reflect this change in the company's business profile, it successfully applied in 2000 to the London Stock Exchange to relinquish its listing within the construction sector of the market, but to re-list within the support services sector on the FTSE market list.[https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/contractors-queueing-up-to-take-a-supporting-role-12-04-2001/ Contractors queueing up to take a supporting role] Construction News, 12 April 2001 To reflect this change it renamed itself Interserve in 2001.

On 2 May 2006 Interserve acquired MacLellan, another support services business for £118m.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/markets/questor/2938018/The-Questor-column.html Interserve's smart move sets pace for future expansion] The Daily Telegraph 3 May 2006[https://archive.today/20130411035217/http://www.interserve.com/news-media/press-releases-and-news/2006/05/02/209/cash-a-share-of-maclellan-group Recommended Cash and Share Acquisition of MacLellan Group Plc] Company website 2 May 2006 Retrieved 12 March 2013 After re-structuring to accommodate the acquisition,[https://archive.today/20130411034857/http://www.interserve.com/news-media/press-releases-and-news/2006/07/20/203/acquisition-change Acquisition, Organisational Update and Directorate Change] Company website 20 July 2006 Retrieved 12 March 2013 Interserve announced it had discovered accounting irregularities in its Industrial Services business - an announcement that saw its share price fall by 14%.[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4eba9000-2b6d-11db-a7e1-0000779e2340.html#axzz2NK68tJLQ Interserve shares hit by accounting woes] Financial Times 14 August 2009 Retrieved 12 March 2013 This decline led to threats of legal action by former MacLellan shareholders, who had accepted shares in Interserve as part of the acquisition and saw the value of their holdings dramatically drop.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2945701/Shareholders-consider-suing-Interserve-over-accounts-error.html Shareholders consider suing Interserve over accounts error] The Daily Telegraph 18 August 2006 Retrieved 12 March 2013 The company was also forced to delay the official publication of its interim results to investors, so as "to verify the adjustment needed" as it sought to reconcile the misstatements.[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/448f34c4-349f-11db-bf9a-0000779e2340.html#axzz2NK68tJLQ Inquiry forces Interserve results delay] Financial Times 26 August 2006 Retrieved 12 March 2013

In 2007 the group acquired a 49% stake in the Qatar-based Madina Group.[http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Interserve+to+buy+Madina+Group%3B+MANUFACTURING.-a0163363312 Interserve to buy Madina Group] The Birmingham Post 15 May 2007 In 2008 Interserve expanded into markets in Abu Dhabi and Northern Europe.

Interserve announced in November 2010 that it had acquired the US formwork and shoring business CMC Construction Services in a deal worth £22 million.[https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/archive/interserve-expands-in-us-with-22m-deal-24-11-2010/ Interserve expands in US with £22m deal] Construction News, 24 November 2010 On 25 February 2011 the company emerged as a bidder for fellow support services provider, Mouchel, as Interserve aimed to "target the rapidly growing market for fully integrated outsourcing services." Interserve had approached the target with an offer believed to be in the region of £191m, or 170p per share; Mouchel had previously rejected two bids from Costain.[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/263582ee-4052-11e0-9140-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2NK68tJLQ Interserve expected to disclose Mouchel tie-up] Financial Times 25 February 2011 Retrieved 12 March 2013[https://web.archive.org/web/20180624063203/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mouchel-interserve-idUKTRE71O0ER20110225 Interserve (IRV.L) is in advanced talks with Mouchel MCHL.L over a tie-up that would create one of Britain's biggest public sector outsourcing companies, the Financial Times said on Friday] Reuters website 25 February 2011 Retrieved 12 March 2013[https://www.theguardian.com/business/marketforceslive/2011/feb/25/mouchel-higher-interserve-bid Mouchel moves higher as Interserve confirms bid talks] The Guardian Market Forces Live Blog 25 February 2011 Retrieved 12 March 2013[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-25/interserve-in-advanced-talks-with-mouchel-about-possible-bid.html Interserve in Advanced Talks With Mouchel About Possible Bid] Bloomberg website 25 February 2011 Retrieved 12 March 2013 However, after conducting due diligence on the consulting group, Interserve reduced its indicative offer to a reported £151m, or 135p per share, and this was subsequently rejected. Interserve did not progress the bid and no formal offer was tabled.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/supportservices/8414547/Mouchel-plunges-as-it-rejects-takeover-offers.html Mouchel plunges as it rejects takeover offers] The Daily Telegraph 29 March 2011 Retrieved 12 March 2013[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/f6c61646-5a36-11e0-86d3-00144feab49a.html#axzz2NK68tJLQ Interserve lowers Mouchel offer] Financial Times 29 March 2011 Retrieved 12 March 2013[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12890542 Mouchel shares slump as takeover bids rejected] BBC News website 17 October 2011 Retrieved 12 March 2013

On 4 May 2012 the company acquired "Welfare-to-work" provider Business Employment Services Training (BEST), a UK provider of training and development for job-seekers and employers.[http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2012/05/04/interserve-buys-training-company-for-17-5m/ Interserve buys training company for £17.5m] Construction Enquirer, 4 May 2012 Then on 12 October 2012 Interserve announced that it had sold its stakes in some UK private finance initiative hospitals, schools and prisons for £90m. Dalmore Capital Fund, a UK infrastructure fund, agreed to buy 19 of the PFI investments, which generated £4.6m profits for the group in 2011. The Financial Times reported the sale as including "the stakes are five in hospitals – including University College London, Carlisle and Newcastle – five in schools, two in prisons and several in defence establishments."[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3938bcb6-1478-11e2-8ef2-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2MqzNnTmP Interserve sells PFI stakes for £90m] Financial Times 12 October 2012[https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/news/financial-news/interserve-sells-off-89-5m-in-pfi-stakes-12-10-2012/ Interserve sells off £89.5m in PFI stakes] Construction News, 12 October 2012 On 18 December 2012 it was announced that the company had acquired Advantage Healthcare, a leading UK provider of healthcare at home services for £26.5m in cash.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/supportservices/9753868/Interserve-buys-Advantage-Healthcare-for-26.5m.html Interserve buys Advantage Healthcare for £26.5m] The Daily Telegraph, 18 December 2012 Then on 7 January 2013 the organisation announced the acquisition of The Oman Construction Company for a cash consideration of $34.1m.[http://www.arabianoilandgas.com/article-10874-interserve-buys-the-oman-construction-company/#.UR1wFqU3Z_c Interserve buys The Oman Construction Company] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126185140/http://www.arabianoilandgas.com/article-10874-interserve-buys-the-oman-construction-company/#.UR1wFqU3Z_c |date=26 January 2013 }} Arabian Oil and Gas, 10 January 2013

On 28 February 2014, the company acquired Initial Facilities from Rentokil Initial for £250m.{{cite web|url=http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/interserve-to-buy-rentokils-fm-business|title= Interserve to buy Rentokil's FM business|date= 28 February 2014|publisher=Construction Index|access-date=29 June 2014}} In October 2014, Interserve benefitted from the UK Government's privatisation of the probation sector, securing contracts to run criminal justice services in five areas.{{cite news |last1=Travis |first1=Alan |title=Two companies to run more than half of privatised probation services |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/oct/29/justice-probation-contracts-private-companies |access-date=16 May 2019 |work=Guardian |date=29 October 2014}}{{cite news |title=Probation contracts awarded to private organisations |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30344262 |access-date=16 May 2019 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=5 December 2014}}

On 14 September 2017, Interserve reported additional costs associated with quitting the energy-from-waste (EfW) sector. In February 2017, these costs were revised from £70m to £160m; in September 2017, the figure had risen "significantly" but no new estimate was given{{cite news|title=Interserve in bank talks|url=http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/interserve-in-bank-talks|access-date=16 October 2017|work=The Construction Index|date=16 October 2017}} (in March 2018, the developer of a Glasgow EfW plant said it was in "ongoing" discussions with Interserve after costs rose by £95m to £250m, with Viridor contractually entitled to recover incremental costs from Interserve.){{cite news|last1=Prior|first1=Grant|title=Costs soar by £95m at former Interserve energy plant|url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/03/27/costs-soar-by-95m-at-former-interserve-energy-plant/|access-date=27 March 2018|work=Construction Enquirer|date=27 March 2018}} The company's lenders, including HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland, called in accountants EY to advise, while the company appointed a new finance director, Mark Whiteling,{{cite news|last1=Curry|first1=Rhiannon|title=Interserve hires finance director days after devastating profit warning|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/09/18/interserve-hires-finance-director-days-devastating-profit-warning/|access-date=29 January 2018|work=Telegraph|date=18 September 2017}} to work alongside Debbie White, CEO from 1 September 2017.{{cite news|title=New chief executive takes over at Interserve|url=http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/new-chief-executive-takes-over-at-interserve|access-date=29 January 2018|work=The Construction Index|date=1 September 2017}} On 19 October, the firm was reported to be "battling for survival" after warning it would breach bank loan covenants;{{cite news|last1=Morby|first1=Aaron|title=Interserve is battling for survival after warning this morning it is now set to breach its bank loan covenants.|url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/10/19/interserve-likely-to-breach-bank-loan-covenants/|access-date=20 October 2017|work=Construction Enquirer|date=19 October 2017}}{{cite news|title=Interserve on verge of breaching financial covenants|url=http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/interserve-on-verge-of-breaching-financial-covenants|access-date=20 October 2017|work=The Construction Index|date=19 October 2017}} shares slumped 38% to 55p, valuing the company at just £80m, before recovering to close at 65p.{{cite web|url=https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/quote/IRV.L/history?p=IRV.L|title=Interserve|publisher=Yahoo Finance|access-date=26 February 2018}}

On 20 October 2017, the company was awarded a £227 million contract to provide facilities management services to the Department for Work and Pensions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/10/20/struggling-interserve-bags-227m-government-contract/|title=Struggling Interserve bags £227m Government contract|last=Bury|first=Rhiannon|date=2017-10-20|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2017-10-20|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}} On 13 November, Interserve was set to axe 200 jobs in a cost-cutting drive,{{cite news|last1=Prior|first1=Grant|title=Interserve to axe 200 jobs in cost cutting drive|url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/11/13/interserve-to-axe-200-jobs-in-cost-cutting-drive/|access-date=13 November 2017|work=Construction Enquirer|date=13 November 2017}} with further job losses expected.{{cite news|last1=Prior|first1=Grant|url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/11/15/interserve-staff-braced-for-more-redundancies/|access-date=15 November 2017|work=Construction Enquirer|title=Interserve staff braced for more redundancies}}

On 14 December 2017, it was reported that Interserve had secured £180m in short-term funding from its banks and had pushed back the test date for compliance with loan covenants to March 2018.{{cite news|last1=Morby|first1=Aaron|title=Interserve seals £180m lending deal for extra headroom|url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2017/12/14/interserve-seals-180m-lending-deal-for-extra-headroom/|access-date=14 December 2017|work=Construction Enquirer|date=14 December 2017}} Interserve also appointed a rescue specialist, Scott Millar, as chief restructuring officer.{{cite news|title=Interserve denies banks forced company doctor appointment|url=http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/interserve-denies-banks-forced-company-doctor-appointment|access-date=15 December 2017|work=The Construction Index|date=15 December 2017}} On 10 January 2018, Interserve warned that its debt was set to rise above £513m at the year-end due to redundancy costs and cash outflows from its legacy EfW projects.{{cite news|last1=Morby|first1=Grant|title=Interserve rescue on track but debt to rise above £500m|url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/01/10/interserve-debt-set-to-rise-above-500m/|access-date=10 January 2018|work=Construction Enquirer|date=10 January 2018}} Following the January 2018 collapse of Carillion, the Financial Times said Interserve was being monitored by the UK Government;{{cite news|last1=Pickard|first1=Jim|last2=Smith|first2=Robert|last3=Plimmer|first3=Gill|title=Interserve under government watch over financial health fears|url=https://www.ft.com/content/1aa17614-fab7-11e7-a492-2c9be7f3120a|access-date=17 January 2018|work=Financial Times|date=17 January 2018}} the report led to a 15% drop in Interserve's share price, later largely recouped - a market analyst said: "in the case of Interserve the arithmetic doesn't look anything like as bad as Carillion".{{cite news|last1=Ponthus|first1=Julien|last2=Rees|first2=Kit|title=FTSE edges down, Interserve wobbles in post-Carillion scare|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-stocks/ftse-edges-down-interserve-wobbles-in-post-carillion-scare-idUKKBN1F610H?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118011253/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-stocks/ftse-edges-down-interserve-wobbles-in-post-carillion-scare-idUKKBN1F610H?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 January 2018|access-date=17 January 2018|work=Reuters|date=17 January 2018}} Market uncertainty following Carillion's liquidation continued, partly fuelled by a 30 January profits warning by Capita, after which Interserve's share price dropped nearly 20%.{{cite news|title=Interserve shares slide amid Capita woes|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42902065|access-date=1 February 2018|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=1 February 2018}}

On 12 February 2018, accountancy firm Deloitte was drafted in advise ministers on public sector contracts held by Interserve.{{cite news|last1=Kleinman|first1=Mark|title=Whitehall taps Deloitte to monitor troubled outsourcer Interserve|url=https://news.sky.com/story/whitehall-taps-deloitte-to-monitor-troubled-outsourcer-interserve-11247637|access-date=21 February 2018|work=Sky News|date=12 February 2018}} On 21 February, Interserve announced it was closing its power lines business, putting over 70 staff at risk of redundancy.{{cite news|last1=Morby|first1=Aaron|title=Interserve to close power lines operation axing over 70 jobs|url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/02/21/interserve-to-close-power-lines-operation-axing-over-70-jobs/|access-date=21 February 2018|work=Construction Enquirer|date=21 February 2018}} Three days later, Interserve was said to be struggling to agree a debt refinancing deal because Carillion's liquidation had spooked lenders;{{cite news|last1=Marlow|first1=Ben|title=Interserve crisis grows as debt talks stumble|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/02/24/interserve-crisis-grows-debt-talks-stumble/|access-date=25 February 2018|work=Telegraph|date=24 February 2018}} Interserve denied the talks had stumbled.{{cite news|last1=Gill|first1=Oliver|title=Interserve hits back by insisting refinancing has not "stumbled" and talks are proceeding on time|url=http://www.cityam.com/281202/interserve-share-price-hits-back-insisting-refinancing-has-not-stumbled|access-date=26 February 2018|work=City AM|date=25 February 2018}} On 26 February, Interserve's share price fell 12% to close at 57p.{{cite web|title=IRV INTERSERVE PLC ORD 10P|url=http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/prices-and-markets/stocks/summary/company-summary/GB0001528156GBGBXSSMM.html?lang=en|website=London Stock Exchange|access-date=26 February 2018}} On 3 March, Emerald Investment Partners, the family firm of Punch Taverns founder Alan McIntosh, acquired £140m of Interserve debts on secondary markets in a bid to save the company.{{cite news|last1=Marlow|first1=Ben|title=Scottish multi-millionaire plots rescue of Interserve after quietly amassing outsourcer's debt|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/03/03/scottish-multi-millionaire-plots-rescue-interserve-quietly-amassing/|access-date=5 March 2018|work=Telegraph|date=3 March 2018}}{{cite news|last1=Gill|first1=Oliver|title=Interserve rescue plans boosted by white knight's £140m debt trade|url=http://www.cityam.com/281608/interserve-rescue-plans-boosted-white-knights-gbp140m-debt|access-date=5 March 2018|work=City AM|date=4 March 2018}} Interserve was reported to have cut 500 administrative staff in the last quarter and to be planning a further 1,000 job losses by the end of 2018.{{cite news|last1=Plimmer|first1=Gill|title=Interserve plans further job cuts as it fights bankruptcy fears|url=https://www.ft.com/content/f235a57c-1f93-11e8-9efc-0cd3483b8b80|access-date=5 March 2018|work=Financial Times|date=4 March 2018}} On 8 March, a series of equity swap deals bolstered Interserve's share price;{{cite news|last1=Gill|first1=Oliver|title=Interserve shares rocket almost 50 per cent|url=http://www.cityam.com/281948/interserve-shares-rocket-almost-50-per-cent|access-date=11 March 2018|work=City AM|date=8 March 2018}} the following day Interserve put its stake in the £200m Haymarket development in Edinburgh up for sale to help reduce its near £600m debts.{{cite news|last1=Morby|first1=Aaron|title=Interserve to offload stake in Edinburgh Haymarket scheme|url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/03/09/interserve-to-offload-stake-in-edinburgh-harmarket-scheme/|access-date=11 March 2018|work=Construction Enquirer|date=9 March 2018}}

On 21 March 2018 Interserve announced it had agreed commercial terms with its main bankers for extra cash facilities of £197m and fresh bonding facilities up to £95m.{{cite news|last1=Morby|first1=Aaron|title=Interserve finally agrees refinancing deal with banks|url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/03/21/interserve-finally-agrees-refinancing-deal-with-banks/|access-date=21 March 2018|work=Construction Enquirer|date=21 March 2018}} Lenders agreed a further 30-day extension for completion of the refinancing paperwork{{cite news|title=Interserve granted 30 more days to finalise refinancing|url=http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/interserve-granted-30-more-days-to-finalise-refinancing|access-date=22 March 2018|work=The Construction Index|date=22 March 2018}} (concluded on 27 April).{{cite news|last1=Plimmer|first1=Gill|title=Interserve shares tumble on widening losses|url=https://www.ft.com/content/ca3266ae-4c49-11e8-8a8e-22951a2d8493|access-date=30 April 2018|work=Financial Times|date=30 April 2018}} The refinancing news drove shares up almost 26% to 87.9p.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/mar/21/interserve-agrees-refinancing-deal-ease-fears-future|title=Interserve agrees refinancing deal to ease fears over its future|last=Kollewe|first=Julia|date=2018-03-21|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-03-22}} However, the share price tumbled 13% in early trading on 30 April after Interserve reported a £244m loss for 2017, with debts almost doubled from £274m to £502.6m; analysts anticipated a possible sell-off of Interserve's international support services and construction divisions. On 11 May, Interserve said it would be investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority with regard to handling of inside information and market disclosures regarding its EfW business.{{cite news|last1=Price|first1=David|title=Interserve under investigation over EfW disclosure|url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/news/contractors-news/interserve-under-investigation-over-efw-disclosure-11-05-2018/|access-date=11 May 2018|work=Construction News|date=11 May 2018}} On 31 May, the operator of the Glasgow EfW scheme claimed Interserve owed £69m in additional costs;{{cite news |last1=Rogers |first1=Dave |title=Interserve told it owes £69m on Glasgow waste job |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/interserve-told-it-owes-69m-on-glasgow-waste-job/5093850.article |access-date=31 May 2018 |work=Building |date=31 May 2018}} in November 2018, Viridor said it expected to receive at least £64m from Interserve.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve faces £64m claim for Glasgow waste facility completion |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/11/27/interserve-faces-64m-claim-for-glasgow-waste-facility-completion/ |access-date=27 November 2018 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=27 November 2018}}

Interserve reported its half-year results on 7 August 2018. These showed a pre-tax loss of £6m, said 470 jobs were lost, and showed revenue dipping to £1,488m from £1,647m.{{cite news |last1=Prior |first1=Grant |title=More losses at Interserve as debt levels top £600m |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/08/07/more-losses-at-interserve-as-debt-levels-top-600m/ |access-date=7 August 2018 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=7 August 2018}} Legacy EfW contracts dragged results down, but Interserve aimed to complete and hand over problem EfW contracts by the end of 2018 (in January 2019, New Civil Engineer reported that handover would happen in the first half of 2019).{{cite magazine |last1=Sholli |first1=Sam |title=Interserve EfW plant handovers due later than expected |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/interserve-efw-plant-handovers-due-later-than-expected/10038595.article? |access-date=8 January 2019 |magazine=New Civil Engineer |date=4 January 2019}} The business suffered a £6.6m loss from exiting the London construction business, and incurred £10.8m in restructuring costs and £32.1m in 'professional adviser fees' in connection with its refinancing. Net debt at 30 June was £614.3m, with Interserve expected to pay £80m in interest costs in 2018.

On 13 November 2018, concerns about an EfW project in Derby led to a 30% slide to a 34-year low (29p) in Interserve's share price,{{cite news |last1=Ing |first1=Will |title=Interserve's share price tanks on back of Derby waste woe |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/interserves-share-price-tanks-on-back-of-derby-waste-woe/5096542.article |access-date=13 November 2018 |work=Building |date=13 November 2018}} though it later ended down just 10% on the day.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve fights to quell stock market jitters |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/11/14/interserve-fights-to-quell-stock-market-jitters/ |access-date=14 November 2018 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=14 November 2018}} A critic blamed its problems on ill-timed acquisitions, expansion into areas (probation, healthcare, EfW) where it had no experience, and a weak balance sheet (of £427.4m intangibles on its balance sheet, £372.9m was goodwill).{{cite news |last1=Plimmer |first1=Gill |title=Interserve concerns prompt fears of fresh outsourcing crisis |url=https://www.ft.com/content/66fbadd2-e72d-11e8-8a85-04b8afea6ea3 |access-date=14 November 2018 |work=Financial Times |date=14 November 2018}} In a 23 November trading update, CEO Debbie White said the group would unveil plans to tackle its debt mountain in early 2019 after revealing year-end net debt would be worse than expected, up to £625m-£650m due to additional cash outflows on EfW projects and slow payments in Middle Eastern markets.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve to roll-out £650m debt reduction plan |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/11/23/interserve-to-roll-out-650m-debt-reduction-plan/ |access-date=23 November 2018 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=23 November 2018}} The news pushed down shares 9% (closing at 33p),{{cite news |last1=Plimmer |first1=Gill |last2=Hodgson |first2=Camilla |title=Interserve sparks concerns as debts rise |url=https://www.ft.com/content/b2c9fdd2-eeed-11e8-8180-9cf212677a57 |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=Financial Times |date=23 November 2018}} and there was further pressure on 26 November when West Yorkshire Police said it would be seeking compensation for faults in construction of custody suites in Leeds and Wakefield.{{cite news |last1=Ing |first1=Will |title=Interserve facing fresh woe after problems hit West Yorks police job |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/interserve-facing-fresh-woe-after-problems-hit-west-yorks-police-job/5096745.article |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=Building |date=26 November 2018}} Interserve shares closed on 30 November down 6.5% at 28p.{{cite news |last1=McGowan |first1=Paul |title=WINNERS & LOSERS SUMMARY: FLYBE UP 37% ON VIRGIN ATLANTIC BID REPORT |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/alliance-news/detail/1542969362217034300.html |access-date=30 November 2018 |work=London Stock Exchange: Alliance News |date=30 November 2018}} The share price slide continued into December (closing at 21p on 4 December), after, in Building, Specialist Engineering Contractors Group CEO Rudi Klein advised members not to work for Interserve if possible.{{cite news |last1=Ing |first1=Will |last2=Marshall |first2=Jordan |title=Trade body tells subbies to go to clients direct to get paid on Interserve jobs |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/trade-body-tells-subbies-to-go-to-clients-direct-to-get-paid-on-interserve-jobs-/5096857.article |access-date=3 December 2018 |work=Building |date=3 December 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Graeme |title=News & Tips: AstraZeneca, Royal Dutch Shell, Interserve & more |url=https://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/shares/2018/12/03/news-tips-astrazeneca-royal-dutch-shell-interserve-more/ |access-date=3 December 2018 |work=Investors Chronicle |date=3 December 2018}}

On 7 December 2018, Interserve was reported - for the second time in 2018 - to be in rescue refinancing talks, with banks and other debt holders (including RBS, HSBC, BNP Paribas, Emerald Asset Management and Davidson Kempner Capital) preparing to incur losses in a debt-for-equity swap that would see public shareholders virtually wiped out.{{cite news |last1=Plimmer |first1=Gill |last2=Elder |first2=Bryce |title=Interserve in fresh rescue talks with creditors |url=https://www.ft.com/content/dd8e5588-f8b9-11e8-af46-2022a0b02a6c |access-date=9 December 2018 |work=Financial Times |date=7 December 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Ambrose |first1=Gillian |title=Interserve lenders seek to wrest back control |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/12/08/interserve-lenders-seek-wrest-back-control/ |access-date=9 December 2018 |work=Telegraph |date=8 December 2018}} On 10 December, Interserve confirmed its deleveraging plan could result in "material dilution" for current Interserve shareholders;{{cite news |last1=Grecenko |first1=Evelina |title=INTERSERVE CONFIRMS DELEVERAGING PLAN TO RESULT IN "MATERIAL DILUTION" |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/alliance-news/detail/1544424742843297600.html |access-date=10 December 2018 |work=London Stock Exchange - Alliance News |date=10 December 2018}} shares dived,{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve shares collapse as rescue talks continue |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/12/09/interserve-makes-headway-on-rescue-talks/ |access-date=10 December 2018 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=10 December 2018}} eventually closing 53% down at 11.5p.{{cite news |last1=Daniel |first1=Alex |title=Interserve share price plummets as it admits rescue refinancing plan |url=http://www.cityam.com/270335/interserve-share-price-plummets-admits-rescue-refinancing |access-date=10 December 2018 |work=City AM |date=10 December 2018}} Fearing problems similar to those faced by clients after Carillion collapsed, the Labour Party urged the Government to bar Interserve from bidding for public contracts,{{cite news |last1=Prior |first1=Grant |title=Labour calls for public contract bidding ban on Interserve |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/12/10/labour-calls-for-public-contract-bidding-ban-on-interserve/ |access-date=10 December 2018 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=10 December 2018}} but the Cabinet Office insisted Interserve was different from Carillion.{{cite news |last1=Brady |first1=Dominic |title=but civil servants insisted Interserve was different to Carillion |url=https://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2018/12/interserve-not-another-carillion-says-manzoni? |access-date=12 December 2018 |work=Public Finance |date=12 December 2018}} Meanwhile, Interserve announced a £25m contract win at a Welsh hospital.{{cite news |last1=Kollewe |first1=Julia |title=Outsourcing firm Interserve's shares dive by 75% despite rescue plan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/dec/10/interserve-shares-rescue-plan-carillion |access-date=10 December 2018 |work=Guardian |date=10 December 2018}}

Restructuring options included spinning off the £250m building materials unit RMD Kwikform to lenders, leaving the remainder of Interserve as a more focused support services business.{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Struggling Interserve may hand construction unit to lenders |url=https://news.sky.com/story/struggling-interserve-may-hand-construction-unit-to-lenders-11581667 |access-date=16 December 2018 |work=Sky News |date=15 December 2018}} The core principles of the deleveraging plan were reported to have been conditionally agreed between Interserve and its lenders on 21 December 2018,{{cite news |title=Interserve pressed to surrender RMD Kwikform |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/interserve-pressed-to-surrender-rmd-kwikform |access-date=21 December 2018 |work=The Construction Index |date=21 December 2018}} but negotiations continued through January 2019, with the deal, excluding sale of RMD Kwikform, reported to be close to announcement on 3 February.{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Outsourcer Interserve closes in on debt-for-equity rescue deal |url=https://news.sky.com/story/outsourcer-interserve-closes-in-on-debt-for-equity-rescue-deal-11627404 |access-date=4 February 2019 |work=Sky News |date=3 February 2019}} The Cabinet Office reportedly objected to any deal involving selling RMD Kwikform, believing this would render the remainder of the business almost worthless, making it difficult to continue awarding contracts to the company.{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Rob |title=Interserve's lenders go head-to-head with Cabinet Office over rescue options |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/feb/05/interserves-lenders-go-head-to-head-with-cabinet-office-over-rescue-options |access-date=5 February 2019 |work=Guardian |date=5 February 2019}}

On 6 February, Interserve announced it had agreed a deleveraging deal with its lenders: it planned to raise £480m through a new share issue (accounting for 97.5% of the total issued share capital), reducing debts from over £600m to £275m, and retaining RMD Kwikform in the group. The plan was subject to approval by Interserve's shareholders, but Interserve was "actively preparing alternative plans" in case that approval was not given;{{cite web |title=Progress on Deleveraging Plan |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/IRV/13959523.html |website=London Stock Exchange RNS |access-date=6 February 2019}}{{cite news |title=Interserve agrees rescue plan with creditors |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47141828 |access-date=6 February 2019 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=6 February 2019}} administration remained a possibility.{{cite news |last1=Daniel |first1=Alex |title=Out of the frying pan, Inter-the fire: Will Interserve's rescue deal go up in flames? |url=http://www.cityam.com/273025/out-frying-pan-inter-fire-interserves-rescue-deal-go-up |access-date=11 February 2019 |work=City A.M. |date=10 February 2019}} One major shareholder, hedge fund Coltrane Asset Management, while supportive of the CEO, requisitioned an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) calling for the removal of eight other directors; another shareholder, Farringdon Capital Management, also voiced opposition to the proposed rescue plan.{{cite news |last1=Daniel |first1=Alex |title=Interserve rescue plan: Shareholder rebellion grows as dissenting hedge fund recruits another supporter |url=http://www.cityam.com/273153/interserve-rescue-plan-shareholder-rebellion-grows |access-date=13 February 2019 |work=City A.M. |date=12 February 2019}} On 14 February, it was reported that blocking the deleveraging plan and removing key board members could trigger an immediate £66m repayment to lenders, weakening Interserve's financial position still further.{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Interserve faces debt bombshell over hedge fund coup |url=https://news.sky.com/story/interserve-faces-debt-bombshell-over-hedge-fund-coup-11637210 |access-date=14 February 2019 |work=Sky News |date=14 February 2019}} On 20 February, Coltrane had grown its stake and now held 27.7% of Interserve's voting rights through publicly traded shares.{{cite news |last1=Daniel |first1=Alex |title=Interserve's rebel shareholder Coltrane ups stake in struggling outsourcer |url=http://www.cityam.com/273551/interserves-rebelling-lead-shareholder-tightens-grip-firm |access-date=20 February 2019 |work=City A.M. |date=20 February 2019}}{{cite web|author=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/britain/2018/12/15/interserve-goes-to-intensive-care |title=Interserve goes to intensive care - Outsourcers in trouble |publisher=Economist.com |date=2018-12-13 |access-date=2019-03-04}} In view of shareholders' opposition, on 22 February lenders were reported to be amending the debt-for-equity proposals so that existing shareholders would own 5% of Interserve.{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Interserve lenders to sweeten terms of £500m rescue |url=https://news.sky.com/story/interserve-lenders-to-sweeten-terms-of-500m-rescue-11644662 |access-date=22 February 2019 |work=Sky News |date=22 February 2019}} However, an alternative Coltrane proposal (retaining a 10% equity share for shareholders) had also been put to Interserve, while EY had been put on standby to act as administrator.{{cite news |last1=Rob |first1=Davies |last2=Pratley |first2=Nils |title=Interserve lenders line up EY as administrator if shareholder talks fail |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/feb/22/interserve-lenders-line-up-ey-administrator-if-shareholder-talks-fail |access-date=22 February 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=22 February 2019}} The proposals were to be subject to an EGM vote on 26 March,{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve sets date for rescue plan showdown |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/02/26/interserve-sets-date-rescue-plan-showdown/ |access-date=27 February 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=26 February 2019}} later brought forward to an AGM vote on 15 March.{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Rob |title=Interserve's largest shareholder issues rescue deal demand |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/04/interserve-shareholder-rescue-deal |access-date=4 March 2019 |work=Guardian |date=4 March 2019}}

On 27 February, Interserve announced its financial results for the year to 31 December 2018, recording a pre-tax loss of £111.5m on a turnover of £2904m (down 10.7% due to a drop in UK construction activity and tighter bidding criteria). Net debt increased to £631.2m, and the company warned: "successful implementation of the Deleveraging Plan is critical to our future." Professional fees for the 2018 refinancing totalled £43m with a further £33m set to be paid in connection with the deleveraging plan. A further £12.6m in losses on problem EfW contracts brought the total loss to date to £229.2m.{{cite news |last1=Prior |first1=Grant |title=Interserve makes £111m loss and spends £76m on refinancing fees |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/02/27/interserve-makes-111m-loss-and-spends-76m-on-refinancing-fees/ |access-date=27 February 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=27 February 2019}}

Coltrane remained opposed to the deleveraging plan, angered by expenditure on the plans and by directors' reluctance to invest in new shares.{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Rob |title=Interserve's biggest shareholder says rescue plan is 'terrible' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/feb/27/interserves-biggest-shareholder-says-rescue-plan-is-terrible |access-date=27 February 2019 |work=Guardian |date=27 February 2019}} Interserve's £90m expenditure on fees (to investment bank Rothschild investment bank, broker Numis, lawyers Ashurst LLP and Slaughter and May, accountant Grant Thornton and PR firm Tulchan) was said to be equivalent to the cash the firm would have if its restructuring plan was successful with shareholders.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/markets/article/interserve-rescue-fees-hit-90m-x6qlvdqmt|title=Interserve rescue fees hit £90m|last1=Lea|first1=Robert|date=28 February 2019|work=Times|access-date=4 March 2019}} Coltrane called the sell-off to fund debts "an obscenity," and, on 4 March, submitted a revised financial rescue plan (giving 55% of the company to creditors, leaving shareholders with 37.5%) and told directors to stop advocating rival proposals put forward by the company's lenders (Coltrane later threatened legal action against Interserve's directors to hold them personally accountable for the company's losses).{{cite news |last1=Graham |first1=August |title=Interserve battles to avoid administration as shareholder vote looms on Friday |url=http://www.cityam.com/274433/interserve-battles-avoid-administration-shareholder-vote |access-date=10 March 2019 |work=City A.M. |date=10 March 2019}} However, the Interserve board rejected this proposal,{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve rejects second shareholder rescue plan |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/03/05/interserve-rejects-second-shareholder-rescue-plan/ |access-date=5 March 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=5 March 2019}} while lenders lined up a precautionary 'pre-pack administration' that would wipe out existing shareholders but keep Interserve operating if the deleveraging plan was not approved.{{cite news |title=Interserve set for pre-pack administration if debt deal fails: source |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-interserve-debt-idUSKBN1QQ0MI |access-date=9 March 2019 |work=Reuters |agency=Reuters |date=9 March 2019}}

On 11 March, lenders tried a last-ditch effort to win shareholder support by increasing the amount of equity retained by shareholders to 7.5%,{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Interserve lenders in talks about last-ditch deal sweetener |url=https://news.sky.com/story/interserve-lenders-in-talks-about-last-ditch-deal-sweetener-11662097 |access-date=11 March 2019 |work=Sky News |date=11 March 2019}} but this was not backed by Interserve's board which urged support for the deleveraging plan offering shareholders 5%.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve warns shareholders not to expect better deal |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/03/12/interserve-warns-shareholders-not-to-expect-better-deal/ |access-date=12 March 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=12 March 2019}} Coltrane warned Interserve's prospective administrator against arranging a pre-pack insolvency deal, demanding rigorous and comprehensive marketing, and holding out the prospect that Coltrane might acquire the company from the insolvency process.{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Top Interserve shareholder warns on asset sales |url=https://news.sky.com/story/top-interserve-shareholder-warns-on-asset-sales-11663029 |access-date=12 March 2019 |work=Sky News |date=12 March 2019}}

File:Floor cleaning machine at Liverpool Street station.jpg

At the 15 March AGM, the deleveraging plan was rejected by shareholders,{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=David |last2=Garner-Purkis |first2=Zak |title=Interserve rescue plan voted down |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/news/contractors-news/interserve-rescue-plan-voted-down-15-03-2019/ |access-date=15 March 2019 |work=Construction News |date=15 March 2019}} and trading in the company's shares was suspended.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Shareholders reject Interserve rescue plan |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/03/15/shareholders-reject-interserve-rescue-plan/ |access-date=15 March 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=15 March 2019}} Interserve's board confirmed it had applied for the parent company to be placed into administration, and said it was pursuing the pre-pack option.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/15/interserve-to-go-into-administration-after-shareholders-reject-deal|title=Interserve goes into administration after rescue deal rejected|work=The Guardian|date=15 March 2019|access-date=15 March 2019}} The board later announced the group had been sold to a new company, to be called Interserve Group Ltd, controlled by Interserve's existing lenders.{{cite web |title=Successful completion of sale of the group (15 March 2019) |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/prices-and-markets/stocks/exchange-insight/company-news.html?fourWayKey=GB0001528156GBGBXSET3 |website=London Stock Exchange |access-date=15 March 2019}}

The administration and pre-pack process meant banks wrote off up to £800m in loans, while Coltrane, Farringdon and around 16,000 small shareholders all lost their investments. Unions and others expressed concern about the government's continued awarding of contracts to Interserve during its financial troubles, but a Cabinet Office spokesperson said its processes and financial check had been robust, adding: "The refinancing process that Interserve executed led to the smooth continuation of public services and safeguarded thousands of jobs."{{cite news |last1=Brignall |first1=Miles |title=Interserve given 'public contracts worth £660m in run-up to collapse' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/18/interserve-given-public-contracts-worth-660m-in-run-up-to-collapse |access-date=18 March 2019 |work=Guardian |date=18 March 2019}} However, around 200 firms that provided IT, HR and property management services to Interserve plc risked not being paid.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve subcontractors told it's business as usual |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/03/18/interserve-subcontractors-told-its-business-as-usual/ |access-date=18 March 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=18 March 2019}} EfW client Viridor repeated its claim that, despite the administration, the still operating Interserve Construction owed £64m for work on its Glasgow plant;{{cite news |last1=Rogers |first1=Dave |title='You still owe us £64m,' says client who kicked Interserve off Glasgow waste job |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/you-still-owe-us-64m-says-client-who-kicked-interserve-off-glasgow-waste-job/5098464.article |access-date=24 March 2019 |work=Building |date=18 March 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve client fears bigger hit on Glasgow waste plant |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/03/25/interserve-client-fears-bigger-hit-on-glasgow-waste-plant/ |access-date=25 March 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=25 March 2019}} in November 2019, Viridor issued arbitration proceedings to reclaim £72m.{{cite news |title=Viridor-Interserve dispute moves to arbitration |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/viridor-interserve-dispute-moves-to-arbitration |access-date=26 November 2019 |work=The Construction Index |date=26 November 2019}} In June 2019, it was reported that Interserve had collapsed owing creditors over £100m.{{cite news |last1=Ball |first1=Frances |title=Interserve owed creditors more than £100m |url=https://economia.icaew.com/news/interserve-owed-creditors-more-than-100m |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Economia |publisher=ICAEW |date=10 June 2019 |archive-date=10 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610184856/https://economia.icaew.com/news/interserve-owed-creditors-more-than-100m |url-status=dead }}

Rival outsourcing firms including Mitie, Serco and Sodexo were reported to be considering bids to acquire Interserve's core support services business,{{cite news |last1=Waite |first1=Suzie |title=Mitie Mulls Takeover Bid for Main Interserve Unit, Sky Reports |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-16/mitie-mulls-takeover-bid-for-main-interserve-unit-sky-reports |access-date=16 March 2019 |work=Bloomberg |date=16 March 2019}} valued by lenders at around £300m. Mitie was repeatedly reported to be considering a bid of about £100m for the support services arm, which employs about 40,000 of the Interserve group's 45,000-strong UK workforce.{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Rob |title=Interserve fights to keep contracts as rivals circle |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/mar/18/interserve-contracts-mitie-serco |access-date=19 March 2019 |work=Guardian |date=18 March 2019}}{{cite news |title=Mitie eyeing Interserve amid bid interest in support services arm |url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/business/mitie-eyeing-interserve-amid-bid-interest-in-support-services-arm/ |access-date=10 June 2019 |work=Evening Express |agency=Press Association |date=9 June 2019}}

In April 2019, the Financial Reporting Council launched an investigation into auditor Grant Thornton's work on Interserve's financial statements for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017{{cite news |last1=Marshall |first1=Jordan |title=Financial watchdog launches investigation into Interserve auditor |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/financial-watchdog-launches-investigation-into-interserve-auditor/5098956.article |access-date=11 April 2019 |work=Building |date=11 April 2019}} (Grant Thornton and the partner involved were fined £1.3m by the FRC in 2021 for 'scepticism failure').{{cite news |title=Interserve auditors fined £1.3m for 'scepticism failure' |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/interserve-auditors-fined-13m-for-scepticism-failure |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=The Construction Index |date=1 November 2021}} Interserve announced that Mark Whiteling, chief financial officer since September 2017, would be leaving the company;{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Interserve finance chief quits weeks after rescue deal |url=https://news.sky.com/story/interserve-finance-chief-quits-weeks-after-rescue-deal-11702271 |access-date=24 April 2019 |work=Sky News |date=24 April 2019}} and a dispute with Sandwell MBC over allegedly defective Interserve-built school buildings was reported.{{cite news |last1=Ing |first1=Will |last2=Rogers |first2=Dave |title=Problems with Interserve-built school sees council shell out £1m on emergency classrooms |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/problems-with-interserve-built-school-sees-council-shell-out-1m-on-emergency-classrooms/5099116.article |access-date=25 April 2019 |work=Building |date=25 April 2019}} In June 2019, chairman Glyn Barker was reported to be preparing to step down,{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Interserve chairman heads for exit in wake of lender deal |url=https://news.sky.com/story/interserve-chairman-heads-for-exit-in-wake-of-lender-deal-11743401 |access-date=1 July 2019 |work=Sky News |date=17 June 2019}} with Alan Lovell named as his successor in July 2019.{{cite news |last1=Gross |first1=Anna |title=Interserve appoints turnround specialist Alan Lovell as chairman |url=https://www.ft.com/content/9466c7c2-a46d-11e9-974c-ad1c6ab5efd1 |access-date=12 July 2019 |work=Financial Times |date=12 July 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Prior |first1=Grant |title=Interserve appoints Alan Lovell as new chairman |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/07/12/interserve-appoints-alan-lovell-as-new-chairman/ |access-date=15 July 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=12 July 2019}}

In July 2019, Interserve's partner on the Derby EfW project, Renewi, said it was resigned to having its contract terminated, with the plant's handover more than two years late. Renewi said it had a £11.6m claim against Interserve.{{cite news |last1=Ing |first1=Will |title=Interserve partner on Derby EfW plant puts boot into contractor over delays |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/interserve-partner-on-derby-efw-plant-puts-boot-into-contractor-over-delays/5100401.article |access-date=3 July 2019 |work=Building |date=3 July 2019}} Derbyshire and Derby City Council said they were preparing to cancel the £950m waste management contract,{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Derby councils prepare to bin Interserve waste PFI |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/07/31/derby-councils-prepare-to-bin-interserve-waste-pfi/ |access-date=31 July 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=31 July 2019}} which was formally terminated in early August 2019.{{cite news |last1=Smulian |first1=Mark |title=Banks call halt to troubled Derby gasification project |url=https://www.mrw.co.uk/latest/banks-call-halt-to-troubled-derby-gasification-project-05-08-2019/ |access-date=6 August 2019 |work=Materials Recycling World |date=5 August 2019}} The councils later (November 2021) considered scrapping the facility.{{cite news |last1=Pitcher |first1=Greg |title=Interserve's doomed Derby EfW plant may never fully open |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contractors/interserve/interserves-doomed-derby-efw-plant-may-never-fully-open-05-11-2021/ |access-date=5 November 2021 |work=Construction News |date=5 November 2021}}

In November 2019, Interserve announced an operational restructuring of the business; as a result, CEO Debbie White would leave the business, with CFO Mark Morris assuming some of her responsibilities. A City analyst said that the restructuring "looks like a precursor to the future splitting up the group."{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve restructure paves way for possible break-up |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/11/15/interserve-restructure-paves-way-for-possible-break-up/ |access-date=15 November 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=15 November 2019}} In March 2020, auditors red-flagged Interserve's finances as the company planned to break up its businesses.{{cite news |last1=Gill |first1=Oliver |title=Interserve plunged into fresh crisis as finances are red-flagged |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/03/14/interserve-plunged-fresh-crisis-finances-red-flagged/ |access-date=27 March 2020 |work=Telegraph |date=14 March 2020}}

In April 2020, the period of administration of Interserve plc was extended. Disposal of Interserve plc's 49% stake (valued in 2018 at £2.7m) in a Qatari business was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Qatar, so administrator EY was granted a two-year extension until March 2022. EY said secured creditors of Interserve plc, owed around £65.2m, were not expected to receive any payout from the administration.{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=David |title=Administrators granted extension to finalise Interserve PLC work |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contractors/interserve/administrators-granted-extension-to-finalise-interserve-plc-work-28-04-2020/ |access-date=28 April 2020 |work=Construction News |date=28 April 2020}}

In June 2020, Mitie announced it was to buy Interserve's 40,000-strong facilities management business in a cash and shares deal initially worth £271m,{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Mitie to buy Interserve FM business for £271m |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/06/25/mitie-to-buy-interserve-fm-business-for-271m/ |access-date=25 June 2020 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=25 June 2020}} later valued at £190m (£120m in cash and a 17.5% shareholding in Mitie).{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Competition watchdog clears Interserve FM sale to Mitie |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/11/17/competition-watchdog-clears-interserve-fm-sale-to-mitie/ |access-date=18 November 2020 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=17 November 2020}} The deal, cleared by competition authorities in November 2020, had to be ratified by Mitie's shareholders and was expected to be completed by the end of November 2020, leaving Interserve focused on three remaining divisions: Interserve Construction, RMD Kwikform, and its Citizen Services group of businesses. The acquisition was confirmed as completed on 1 December 2020.{{cite news |title=Mitie seals Interserve deal |url=https://www.i-fm.net/news/Mitie-seals-Interserve-deal |access-date=1 December 2020 |work=i-fm.net |date=1 December 2020}}

On 2 March 2021, Interserve announced it was rebranding its construction and engineering services businesses, resurrecting the Tilbury Douglas name.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Interserve resurrects Tilbury Douglas name in rebrand |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2021/03/02/interserve-to-resurrect-tilbury-douglas-name-in-rebrand/ |access-date=2 March 2021 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=2 March 2021}} Its Citizen Services business, providing community rehabilitation services in five UK areas, was renationalised by the Ministry of Justice on 24 June 2021 as part of the UK Government’s new model of probation delivery.{{cite web |title=Interserve Group announces the rebranding of its Construction division to Tilbury Douglas |url=https://www.interserve.com/2021/03/02/interserve-group-announces-the-rebranding-of-its-construction-division-to-tilbury-douglas/ |website=Interserve |access-date=2 March 2021 |archive-date=2 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302094148/https://www.interserve.com/2021/03/02/interserve-group-announces-the-rebranding-of-its-construction-division-to-tilbury-douglas/ |url-status=dead }} On 6 October 2021, it was reported that RMD Kwikform was set to be sold to France's Altrad group for over £140m{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Interserve break-up nears end with £140m sale of RMD Kwikform to French group Altrad |url=https://news.sky.com/story/interserve-break-up-nears-end-with-140m-sale-of-rmd-kwikform-to-french-group-altrad-12427586 |access-date=7 October 2021 |work=Sky News |date=6 October 2021}} - a sale confirmed the following day.{{cite news |title=Interserve confirms RMD Kwikform sale to Altrad |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/altrad-confirms-rmd-kwikform-acquisition |access-date=7 October 2021 |work=The Construction Index |date=7 October 2021}}

In January 2022, Kier Group was reported to be in advanced talks to acquire Tilbury Douglas,{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Kier reported to be in talks to buy Tilbury Douglas |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/01/18/kier-reported-to-be-in-talks-to-buy-tilbury-douglas/ |access-date=18 January 2022 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=18 January 2022}} with speculation Kier might pay around £50m for the almost-£500m turnover contractor.{{cite news |last1=Rogers |first1=Dave |title=Kier signals growth ambition with £50m move for Tilbury Douglas |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/kier-signals-growth-ambition-with-50m-move-for-tilbury-douglas/5115640.article |access-date=18 January 2022 |work=Building |date=18 January 2022}} However, Kier discontinued negotiations in March 2022.{{cite news |last1=Kleinman |first1=Mark |title=Kier demolishes plan for £50m takeover of rival Tilbury Douglas |url=https://news.sky.com/story/kier-demolishes-plan-for-50m-takeover-of-rival-tilbury-douglas-12572072 |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=Sky News |date=21 March 2022}}

Interserve plc was officially wound up at the High Court on 21 January 2022, closing the administration process, though some outstanding issues relating to Interserve plc's stake in a Qatari business remained to be resolved, as did calculation of how much the company owed to HMRC. The former administrator, EY-Parthenon, was to continue work on these issues. During administration, debt of £815m and over £200m in other liabilities was wiped out by stakeholders in exchange for equity in Interserve Group Limited. Secured creditors would get no further cash from Interserve plc.{{cite news |last1=Pitcher |first1=Greg |title=Interserve plc administration process ends |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/financial/interserve-plc-administration-process-ends-02-03-2022/ |access-date=2 March 2022 |work=Construction News |date=2 March 2022}}

In June 2022, Tilbury Douglas fully separated from Interserve Group and became a standalone construction contracting company{{cite news |last1=Haynes |first1=Luke |title=Tilbury Douglas becomes standalone contractor again |url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/news/contractors-news/tilbury-douglas-becomes-standalone-contractor-again-08-06-2022/ |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Construction News |date=8 June 2022}} owned by Interserve banks.{{cite news |last1=Rogers |first1=Dave |title=Tilbury Douglas separated out of Interserve parent |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/tilbury-douglas-separated-out-of-interserve-parent/5117832.article |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Building |date=8 June 2022}} Managing director Paul Gandy said the business had delivered more than £500m of projects in 2021, and its order-book totalled over £1bn. In the year to December 2019, it had a turnover of £480m but reported a £95m pre-tax loss. Tilbury Douglas was the last major part of Interserve Group; some smaller assets are expected to be sold before Interserve is finally shut down in 2024.

Interserve's accounts for the 18 months to June 2021 showed company revenue of £2.1bn during the period and a pre-tax loss of £309m.

{{Main|Tilbury Douglas}}

In December 2020, Interserve was predominantly a construction group,[https://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/2591R_1-2019-2-27.pdf=IRV:LSE Interserve RNS]{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Financial Times Market Data Retrieved 27 February 2019 offering advice, design, construction and equipment services for infrastructure in the United Kingdom and worldwide. Following the December 2020 sale of its FM operations to Mitie, Interserve was focused on three remaining divisions: Interserve Construction, RMD Kwikform, and the Citizen Services group of businesses. In March 2021, the construction business was renamed Tilbury Douglas; Citizen Services was renationalised in June 2021, and RMD Kwikform was sold four months later.

Financial information for the company is as follows:

[https://www.interserve.com/docs/default-source/investors/financial-reports/presentation-results/2017/2017-full-year-report.pdf?sfvrsn=3 Interserve 2017 Annual Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301135855/https://www.interserve.com/docs/default-source/investors/financial-reports/presentation-results/2017/2017-full-year-report.pdf?sfvrsn=3 |date=1 March 2019 }} p.122 Interserve. Retrieved 28 February 2019.

[https://www.interserve.com/docs/default-source/investors/financial-reports/presentation-results/2015/2015-annual-report.pdf Interserve 2015 Annual Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301135916/https://www.interserve.com/docs/default-source/investors/financial-reports/presentation-results/2015/2015-annual-report.pdf |date=1 March 2019 }} p.98 Interserve. Retrieved 28 February 2019.

[https://www.interserve.com/docs/default-source/investors/financial-reports/presentation-results/2013/2013-full-annual-report.pdf Interserve 2013 Annual Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126192535/http://www.interserve.com/docs/default-source/investors/financial-reports/presentation-results/2013/2013-full-annual-report.pdf |date=26 January 2018 }} p.105 Interserve. Retrieved 28 February 2019.

[http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2011-ar-full.pdf Interserve 2011 Annual Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322161340/http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2011-ar-full.pdf |date=22 March 2013 }} p.65 Interserve. Retrieved 6 March 2013.[http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2009-ar-full-secure.pdf Interserve 2009 Annual Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327154340/http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2009-ar-full-secure.pdf |date=27 March 2013 }} p.64 Interserve. Retrieved 6 March 2013.[http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2007-ar-full.pdf Interserve 2007 Annual Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327154519/http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2007-ar-full.pdf |date=27 March 2013 }} p.58 Interserve. Retrieved 6 March 2013.[https://web.archive.org/web/20130327154834/http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2005-ar-full.pdf Interserve 2005 Annual Report] p.52 Interserve. Retrieved 6 March 2013.[https://web.archive.org/web/20130327154111/http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2003-ar-full.pdf Interserve 2003 Annual Report] p.46 Interserve. Retrieved 6 March 2013.[https://web.archive.org/web/20130327154251/http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2001-ar-full.pdf Interserve 2001 Annual Report] p.32 Interserve. Retrieved 6 March 2013.

[a]: Restated to correct accounting misstatement in Industrial Services division. Included for comparison.[https://web.archive.org/web/20130327154433/http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2006-ar-full.pdf Interserve 2006 Annual Report] p.93 Note to the consolidated accounts no.35 Interserve. Retrieved 6 March 2013

{{Bar chart

| float = center| title = Interserve Net Asset Value

| label_type = Year

| data_type = Million Pounds Sterling

| bar_width = 35

| width_units = em

| data_max = 650

| label1 = 2019

| data1 = 108.4

| label2 = 2018

| data2 = (1.1)

| label3 = 2017

| data3 = 62.6

| label4 = 2016

| data4 = 355.1

| label5 = 2015

| data5 = 512.6

| label6 = 2014

| data6 = 479.6

| label7 = 2013

| data7 = 370.3

| label8 = 2012

| data8 = 330.8

| label9 = 2011

| data9 = 300.8

| label10 = 2010

| data10 = 257.6

| label11 = 2009

| data11 = 221.7

| label12 = 2008

| data12 = 232.3

| label13 = 2007

| data13 = 183.2

| label14 = 2006

| data14 = 121.9

| label15 = 2005^[a]

| data15 = 94.2

| label16 = 2004^[a]

| data16 = 74.7

| label17 = 2003^[a]

| data17 = 72.6

| label18 = 2002^[a]

| data18 = 78.5

| label19 = 2001^[a]

| data19 = 75.5

| label20 = 2000^[a]

| data20 = 68.8

}}

[a]: Restated to comply with IAS 19, IFRS 3, IAS 10, IAS 39 and IAS12[https://web.archive.org/web/20130327154834/http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2005-ar-full.pdf Interserve 2005 Annual Report] Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Interserve. Retrieved 4 April 2013.

Interserve was a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index,[http://shares.telegraph.co.uk/news/article.php?id=954403&archive=1&epic=WMH Markets News] The Daily Telegraph Retrieved 28 March 2013 designed to objectively measure the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards.[http://www.ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/index.jsp FTSE4Good Index Series] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204155956/http://ftse.com/Indices/FTSE4Good_Index_Series/index.jsp |date=4 February 2012 }} FTSE Website Retrieved 27 March 2013

From 2002, the company published a corporate social responsibility report section, as a means of social accounting, within its Annual Report and Financial Results.[http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2002-ar-full.pdf Interserve 2002 Annual Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327154027/http://www.interserve.com/resources/downloads/investors/report-results/2002-ar-full.pdf |date=27 March 2013 }} pages 18-22 Interserve. Retrieved 27 March 2013.

The Observer’s "Good Companies Guide" 2008, compiled to establish Britain's most ethical companies[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/nov/16/observer-good-companies-guide-1 Ethics still matter in hard times] The Observer 16 November 2008 Retrieved 28 March 2013 ranked Interserve in its top 20 out of all companies listed on the FTSE 350 Index.[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2008/nov/16/observer-good-companies-guide-2 Top of the class] The Observer, 16 November 2008, Retrieved 28 March 2013

In 2012 Interserve established the Interserve Employee Foundation, a registered charity,[http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityFramework.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1145338&SubsidiaryNumber=0 Register of Charities] Charity Commission website Retrieved 28 March 2013 which as noted in the British Quality Foundation Achievement Award 2012 citation, aimed to "improve the quality of life and life chances for people in the community where they live and operate by utilising the skills, capabilities, resources and enthusiasm of Interserve's employees."[http://www.bqf.org.uk/awards/achievement/2012-winners BQF Achievement Awards – 2012 Winners] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505214617/http://www.bqf.org.uk/awards/achievement/2012-winners |date=5 May 2014 }} British Quality Foundation website Retrieved 28 March 2013

It was announced on 25 March 2013[http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/interview/2257016/interserve-reveals-how-it-bridged-the-gap-between-sustainability-and-finance Interserve reveals how it bridged the gap between sustainability and finance] Business Green website 25 March 2013 Retrieved 28 March 2013

that Interserve was to establish an Integrated reporting accounting system, a series of metrics that are designed to measure more than financial performance,[http://www.theiirc.org/about/ About IR] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327115801/http://www.theiirc.org/about/ |date=27 March 2013 }} IIRC website Retrieved 28 March 2013 by contributing not only towards financial stability, but also sustainable economic development.[http://www.theiirc.org/ How IR Will Shape The Future of Reporting] IIRC website Retrieved 28 March 2013 The company joined the International Integrated Reporting Council worldwide pilot programme, comprising 85 companies,[http://www.theiirc.org/companies-and-investors/pilot-programme-business-network/ Pilot Programme Business Network] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312120912/http://www.theiirc.org/companies-and-investors/pilot-programme-business-network/ |date=12 March 2013 }} IIRC website Retrieved 28 March 2013 which sought to develop a reporting system that communicates how an organisation's strategy, governance, performance and prospects lead to the creation of value over the short, medium and long term.

Interserve developed a plan, ‘SustainAbilities’,[http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2256133/interserve-pledges-to-halve-carbon-emissions-by-2020 Interserve pledges to halve carbon emissions by 2020] Business Green website 21 March 2013 Retrieved 28 March 2013 in conjunction with sustainability adviser, environmentalist and writer Tony Juniper,[https://www.theguardian.com/profile/tonyjuniper Tony Juniper profile] The Guardian Retrieved 28 March 2013 co-founder of The Robertsbridge Group, that would measure the company's performance against its knowledge, natural and social capital, in addition to its financial capital.

Interserve was accredited with compliance to the following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards:[http://www.interserve.com/resources/microsites/downloads/sustainability/Sustainability_report_2010.pdf Company Sustainability report 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030746/http://www.interserve.com/resources/microsites/downloads/sustainability/Sustainability_report_2010.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} Company website Retrieved 2 April 2013

• ISO 9001 - Quality Management - deals with the requirements that organisations have to comply with{{cite web|url=http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_9000_selection_and_use.htm|title=ISO 9000 selection and use|publisher=International Standards Organisation}} to meet the fundamentals of quality management systems,{{cite journal |doi=10.1108/02686900210429669 |title=An adaptation to ISO 9001:2000 for certified organisations |year=2002 |last1=Tsim |first1=Y.C. |last2=Yeung |first2=V.W.S. |last3=Leung |first3=Edgar T.C. |journal=Managerial Auditing Journal |volume=17 |issue=5 |page=245}} including the eight management principles{{cite journal |doi=10.1080/0954412998090 |title=Implementing ISO 9000: A study of its benefits among Australian organizations |year=1999 |last1=Beattie |first1=Ken R. |journal=Total Quality Management |volume=10 |page=95}} on which the family of standards is based.
• ISO 14001 - Environmental Management - is a standard that sets out the criteria that organisations processes are required to achieve in order to; (a) minimize how their operations (processes etc.) negatively affect the environment (i.e. cause adverse changes to air, water, or land); (b) comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented requirements, and (c) continually improve in the above.
• OHSAS 18001 - Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) - is an international standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It specifies the requirements for an organisations OH&S management system that documents through a transparent process its policy and objectives, to take into account legal requirements and information about OH&S risks.{{cite web|url=http://www.bsigroup.com/en/Assessment-and-certification-services/management-systems/Standards-and-Schemes/OHSAS-18001/|title=OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety - BSI Group|work=bsigroup.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=26 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026144437/http://www.bsigroup.com/en/Assessment-and-certification-services/management-systems/Standards-and-Schemes/OHSAS-18001/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |url=http://opim.wharton.upenn.edu/risk/library/J2007_ESUvol17_PJS.pdf |title=Gamecocks fly safer with OHSAS 18001, QUALITY SYSTEMS UPDATE Volume 17, Number 4, Page 13, 2007 |access-date=2 April 2013 |archive-date=12 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312044837/http://opim.wharton.upenn.edu/risk/library/J2007_ESUvol17_PJS.pdf |url-status=dead }}

Interserve received various business and industry awards:

• Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) – President's Award {{cite web|url=http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2012/presidents-award.aspx|title=President's Award|work=rospa.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=15 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715022810/http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2012/presidents-award.aspx|url-status=dead}}
• Interserve Construction 2012, 2011,{{cite web|url=http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2011/presidents-award.aspx|title=Winners|work=rospa.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=24 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130924115803/http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2011/presidents-award.aspx|url-status=dead}} 2010,{{cite web|url=http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2010/presidents-award.aspx|title=Winners|work=rospa.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718045603/http://rospa.com/awards/winners/2010/presidents-award.aspx|url-status=dead}}
• Interserve Engineering Services 2012, 2011,
• Interserve Defence 2009,{{cite web|url=http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2009/presidents-award.aspx|title=Winners|work=rospa.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718044629/http://rospa.com/awards/winners/2009/presidents-award.aspx|url-status=dead}} 2008,{{cite web|url=http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2008/presidents-award.aspx|title=Winners|work=rospa.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718031443/http://rospa.com/awards/winners/2008/presidents-award.aspx|url-status=dead}} 2007,{{cite web|url=http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2007/presidents-award.aspx|title=Winners|work=rospa.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718021203/http://rospa.com/awards/winners/2007/presidents-award.aspx|url-status=dead}} 2006,{{cite web|url=http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2006/presidents-award.aspx|title=Winners|work=rospa.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718045835/http://rospa.com/awards/winners/2006/presidents-award.aspx|url-status=dead}}
• Interserve Industrial Services 2005,{{cite web|url=http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2005/presidents-award.aspx|title=Winners|work=rospa.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718050854/http://rospa.com/awards/winners/2005/presidents-award.aspx|url-status=dead}} 2004,{{cite web|url=http://www.rospa.com/awards/winners/2004/presidents-award.aspx|title=Winners|work=rospa.com|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-date=18 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120718040324/http://rospa.com/awards/winners/2004/presidents-award.aspx|url-status=dead}}
• British Quality Foundation UK Excellence Award 2012 {{cite web|url=http://www.bqf.org.uk/awards/ukea/2012-winners|title=UK Excellence Award - 2012 Winners|work=bqf.org.uk|access-date=22 March 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130423185111/http://www.bqf.org.uk/awards/ukea/2012-winners|archive-date=23 April 2013|url-status=dead}} - Interserve Construction
• The Queen's Award for Enterprise 2010[http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/business-entrepreneurship/2010/04/30/west-midlands-successes-in-the-queen-s-awards-for-enterprise-65233-26351990/ West Midlands successes in the Queen's Awards for Enterprise] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011124616/http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/business-entrepreneurship/2010/04/30/west-midlands-successes-in-the-queen-s-awards-for-enterprise-65233-26351990/ |date=11 October 2012 }} Birmingham Post 30 April 2010 - RMD Kwikform
• The British Safety Council – International Safety Award 2013 – Distinction – Interserve Industrial Services Limited[https://www.britsafe.org/sites/default/files//editor/2013%20ISA%20winners%20list.pdf British Safety Council International Safety Award Winners 2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091612/https://www.britsafe.org/sites/default/files//editor/2013%20ISA%20winners%20list.pdf |date=4 March 2016 }} British Safety Council website Retrieved 28 March 2013

Interserve was a member of Constructing Excellence,[http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/membership/memberlist.jsp Constructing Excellence Membership List] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130423193416/http://www.constructingexcellence.org.uk/membership/memberlist.jsp |date=23 April 2013 }} Retrieved 7 March 2013 The Business Services Association[http://www.bsa-org.com/about/members The Business Service Association Membership List] Retrieved 7 March 2013 and Build UK.[http://builduk.org/members/ Build UK contractor members] Retrieved 1 September 2015

On 14 August 2006 the company announced to the London Stock Exchange that accounting issues relating to the mis-statement of accounting balances within its former Industrial Services Division had been uncovered.{{cite news|last=Fildes |first=Nic |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/interserve-shares-dive-after-staff-are-suspended-over-fraud-claim-411975.html |title=Interserve shares dive after staff are suspended over fraud claim |work=The Independent |date=2006-08-15 |access-date=2019-03-01}} The discovery of these accounting irregularities led to a write down in profits by £25.9m, including prior years (see section 3 Financial Information), and six senior managers were suspended with the company stating that accounting mis-statements dating back "several years" had been uncovered following changes in the organisation. The Daily Telegraph reported that 'an investigation had discovered that controls in the division involving work in progress were, in the words of Lord Blackwell, chairman, "repeatedly evaded over several years in what appears to have been a concerted effort by certain divisional managers to over-state divisional results." He added that the board was concerned that the deliberate nature of the evasions had gone undetected for so long despite internal and external audit scrutiny.'[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2948088/Interserve-finds-accounting-irregularities.html Interserve finds accounting irregularities] The Daily Telegraph 28 September 2006 Retrieved 11 March 2013

It was announced that in April 2008 the company became subject to an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) under the terms of the Competition Act.[http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2008/52-08#.UTPdGxy4knR OFT issues statement of objections against 112 construction companies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311001325/http://oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2008/52-08#.UTPdGxy4knR |date=11 March 2013 }} Office of Fair Trading Press Release 17 April 2008 The investigation was described by the OFT as "one of the largest ever Competition Act investigations" and a total of 112 firms in the construction sector in England were implicated. On 22 September 2009 the OFT concluded that Interserve subsidiary Interserve Project Services Limited had engaged in illegal anti-competitive bid-rigging activities[http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2009/114-09#.UTPd3xy4knT Construction firms fined for illegal bid-rigging] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310070444/http://oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2009/114-09#.UTPd3xy4knT |date=10 March 2013 }} Office of Fair Trading Press Release 22 September 2009[http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e1ea26ee-a741-11de-9467-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2MVzHknm5 Builders fined £130M for rigging bids] Financial Times 22 September 2009 and imposed a fine of £11,634,750.{{Cite web |url=http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/general/parties2.pdf |title=Office of Fair Trading Press Release |access-date=3 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131018054827/http://oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/business_leaflets/general/parties2.pdf |archive-date=18 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}

A case was brought by three claimants who were scaffolders and shop stewards, against subsidiary company Interserve Industrial Services Limited (IIS) at an Employment Tribunal.[http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=9f6d02de-9f63-4805-9447-1057d77ba297 Employer not liable in union blacklisting case] Lexology website 12 December 2012 Retrieved 28 March 2013 IIS and the claimants trade union, UNITE, were party to a collective agreement that provided for the company to "undertake as far as is practicable to place onto an appropriate contract an NECC accredited senior steward". A union representative therefore contacted a manager for the company and advocated the employment of the claimants on a contract awarded to IIS. The manager decided on the basis of the contact with the union representative not to recruit any of the three claimants.[http://www.employmentcasesupdate.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed14300 Miller & Ors v Interserve Industrial Services Ltd UKEAT/0244/12/SM] Employment Case Update website Retrieved 28 March 2013 The claimants contended that a deliberate decision had been made not to recruit them because of their union activities and that their names had been blacklisted by the company.[http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2012/12/11/interserve-beats-blacklist-charge-by-scaffolders/ Interserve beats blacklist charge by scaffolders] Construction Enquirer website Retrieved 28 March 2013 The Tribunal ruling supported the IIS evidence that the union tried to bully the company's manager into employing the three men, acted in a combative manner which was resented and that the company did not want to be dictated to about whom to employ.[http://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/interserve-cleared-of-blacklisting-allegation Interserve Cleared of blacklisting allegation] The Construction Index website 11 December 2012 Retrieved 28 March 2013 The judgement was subject to an Employment Appeal Tribunal where the ruling was upheld in Interserve's favour.

In April 2019, Interserve Construction was suspended from the UK Government's Prompt Payment Code for failing to pay suppliers on time.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Industry giants shamed over late payment |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/04/29/industry-giants-shamed-over-late-payment/ |access-date=29 April 2019 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=29 April 2019}} It was reinstated in November 2019.{{cite news |title=Late-paying Kier suspended from Prompt Payment Code |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/late-paying-kier-suspended-from-prompt-payment-code |access-date=4 November 2019 |work=The Construction Index |date=4 November 2019}}

In October 2022, Interserve was fined £4.4 million for a breach of data protection law that occurred in May 2020. This breach enabled opportunist hackers to gain access to data belonging to up to 113,000 Interserve employees. Although malware was downloaded and executed by an employee in response to a phishing email, and was detected by Interserve's antivirus software, the Information Commissioner's Office found that Interserve failed to thoroughly investigate the suspicious activity. Interserve had received a notification that their antivirus software had detected and removed the malicious software downloaded by the employee. However, the attackers still had access to the employee's account, which allowed them to move laterally onto other systems by exploiting vulnerabilities, exacerbated by Interserve's use of obsolete and unsupported software. As a result of Interserve's negligence, the attackers were able to compromise 283 systems and 16 accounts, uninstall the company's antivirus solution, and deploy ransomware encrypting the personal data of both current and former employees. Interserve disputed claims that its staff and response had been complacent, stating that it had also taken steps to reduce risks in systems supporting ongoing operations at Tilbury Douglas and in the facilities management business acquired by Mitie Group.{{cite news |last1=Prior |first1=Grant |title=Interserve hit with £4.4m fine after cyber attack |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/10/24/interserve-hit-with-4-4m-fine-after-cyber-attack/ |access-date=24 October 2022 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=24 October 2022}} Nonetheless, the fine imposed on Interserve was the fourth-largest ever demanded by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Tom |title=ICO serves Interserve £4.4m fine after cyberattack |url=https://www.computing.co.uk/news/4058683/ico-serves-interserve-gbp-fine-cyberattack |access-date=24 October 2022 |work=Computing |date=24 October 2022}}

As part of the resulting investigation, the Information Commissioner's Office discovered a number of serious breaches of data protection, which were also in breach of Interserve's own documented policies:{{cite web |url=https://ico.org.uk/media/action-weve-taken/mpns/4021951/interserve-group-limited-monetary-penalty-notice.pdf |title=Interserve Group Limited monetary penalty notice |date=24 October 2022 |publisher=Information Commissioners Office |access-date=30 January 2023}}

• Use of obsolete server operating systems: Interserve was processing personal data on 18 servers running Windows Server 2003 R2, an Operating System that ended mainstream support on 13 July 2010, and 22 servers running Windows Server 2008 R2 with mainstream support ending on 13 January 2015. Interserve also ran out of date Antivirus Protection on these servers, limited vulnerability scans and provided no evidence of any penetration testing.
• Lack of infosec training: Only one of the two Finance employees who received the phishing email had received any form of information security training.
• Use of obsolete network protocols: Due to the obsolete software being in active use, and a general lack of security hardening processes or standards, Interserve were still using SMB Protocol Version 1, which has been deprecated since June 2013 and contains a number of well documented security vulnerabilities. The use of this protocol alone contributed to a breach of data protection.
• Privileged account management: Interserve had over 280 users in the domain Administrators group. 12 of these users were compromised by the attacker.
• Poor incident response: The attack was not investigated by Interserve's security team on the basis that they had received a notification from the out of date antivirus software that the malicious software had been detected and removed.

In August 2023, Interserve published its latest accounts for the 18 months to June 2021, which showed the company spent £7m on "professional adviser fees" following the attack, taking the total cost of the cyber attack to over £11M.{{cite news |last1=Rogers |first1=Dave |title=Cyber attack cost Interserve more than £11m |url=https://www.building.co.uk/news/cyber-attack-cost-interserve-more-than-11m/5124589.article |access-date=8 August 2023 |work=Building |date=8 August 2023}}

• Westminster Bridge refurbishment (2013), described by Transport for London (TFL) as "revolutionary works to repair the Capital's oldest bridge"; constructed by Interserve Project Services.[http://www.tfl.gov.uk/static/corporate/media/newscentre/archive/6246.html Westminster Bridge scoops engineering award] Transport for London website 19 October 2007 Retrieved 11 March 2013
• Thames Water Desalination Plant (2009), the first water desalination plant in the United Kingdom, built in Beckton, east London for Thames Water by a consortium of Interserve, Atkins Water and Spanish firm Acciona Agua[https://web.archive.org/web/20120425235259/http://www.building.co.uk/news/interserve-group-to-build-%C2%A3200m-thames-gateway-water-scheme/3117836.article Interserve group to build £200m Thames Gateway water scheme] Building Magazine 9 July 2009 Retrieved 2 April 2013

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{{Construction industry in the United Kingdom}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Construction and civil engineering companies of the United Kingdom

Category:Business services companies of the United Kingdom

Category:Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange

Category:British companies established in 1884

Category:Construction and civil engineering companies established in 1884

Category:Business services companies established in 1884

Category:Companies based in Reading, Berkshire

Category:Private providers of NHS services

Category:1884 establishments in England