Modular builder Thurston Group sold in pre-pack administration to GCH Corporation

Administrators have completed a pre-pack sale of Wakefield-based Thurston Group Limited, transferring the core trading business to GCH Corporation Ltd in a deal that preserves more than 200 jobs.

On 22 December 2025, Leonard Curtis partners Hilary Pascoe, Andrew Poxon and Mike Dillon were appointed as joint administrators of Thurston Group Limited and related group entities. The administrators completed an accelerated mergers and acquisitions process that culminated in an agreed sale of the main operating business to GCH Corporation on the day of appointment.

Founded in 1970, Thurston Group is a long established manufacturer of modular and offsite buildings serving the healthcare, education, commercial and industrial sectors. The business operated from three manufacturing sites, with its head office in Wakefield, and employed approximately 275 staff prior to the administration. For the financial year ended 1 November 2024, the group reported turnover of about £47 million and profits of about £4.1 million.

According to the administrators, the group faced a series of business challenges that led to the formal instruction of Leonard Curtis in November 2025 to run an accelerated sale process. That process attracted significant interest from potential buyers before a transaction was agreed with GCH Corporation.

The transaction safeguards over 200 jobs and allows the Thurston business to continue trading under new ownership. GCH Corporation said it intends to stabilise and invest in the business, citing Thurston’s manufacturing heritage and sector expertise as key attractions.

Shoosmiths acted as legal advisers to the administrators, with Gordon Brothers acting as agents. On the purchaser side, Squire Patton Boggs provided legal advice, alongside Teneo as financial advisers and Hilco as valuation partners.