Why Genuit bought Mondraught: a smart deal for the smarter building revolution

As well as giving a nice 37.5% return on a £2.65m investment for BGF...

Hello Rainmakers,

Genuit Group has taken another step in its transformation journey with the acquisition of ventilation specialist Monodraught.

Sheryl Moore looks at how the deal will blow fresh air into its strategy to be a leader in sustainable building solutions.

Once known for its plastic piping, Leeds-based Genuit has been repositioning itself as a solutions provider for a changing climate - from drainage systems that mitigate flooding to ventilation systems that cut carbon.

The company, which changed its name from Polypipe in 2021 to reflect its diversification into a manufacturer of sustainable construction products, has further boosted its portfolio with the £55.6m acquisition of Monodraught.

Based in Buckinghamshire, Monodraught designs and manufactures low-energy ventilation, cooling and daylighting systems.

The deal, funded from Genuit’s existing facilities, is expected to be earnings accretive in its first year and strengthens its climate management solutions (CMS) division - home to brands such as Nuaire and Domus.

Indoor air quality has been climbing the public agenda since the Covid-19 pandemic, while schools, hospitals and workplaces alike face mounting pressure to reduce energy bills and carbon footprints.

Monodraught has been at the forefront of tackling those challenges for more than 50 years. Established in 1974, the company pioneered products like the Windcatcher natural ventilation system and the Sunpipe daylighting solution, later adding its award-winning COOL-PHASE® low-energy cooling system. These systems are widely used in schools, where regulations demand effective ventilation and comfort without high energy use.

The company doesn’t just make the products; it offers an end-to-end service - from design and manufacture to commissioning, monitoring and maintenance. That model provides a steady stream of recurring revenue, which makes the business particularly attractive to a listed group looking to smooth out the cyclical nature of construction demand.

For Genuit, the acquisition ticks several boxes. Monodraught is a highly respected name in sustainable ventilation with a strong reputation in the education sector. Its products deliver measurable improvements in air quality and energy efficiency, and their service capability gives Genuit a platform for long-term, recurring revenue. The deal also broadens its climate management solutions offer, strengthening Genuit’s position in resilient and growing markets.

Joe Vorih, Genuit’s chief executive, said Monodraught is a perfect fit: “Monodraught brings an innovative and highly complementary portfolio of ventilation products, as well as a controls and data management capability that extends our offering and enables us to integrate heating and cooling solutions from across the Group.

“The acquisition significantly strengthens our position in the attractive UK ventilation market, which is benefiting from environmental and regulatory tailwinds. This is evident both in the strong growth of Monodraught in recent years alongside the demand for our existing portfolio of ventilation and low carbon heating and cooling products. We expect this to continue and are excited about the opportunities ahead."

The CMS division already houses Nuaire, known for mechanical ventilation and air handling units, and Domus, a ducting and distribution specialist. By adding Monodraught’s passive and hybrid technologies, Genuit can now offer a more complete package on major projects, from ductwork through to smart, data-led controls.