---
title: Our history
date: 2022-02-08T18:37:00+00:00
author: Joanne Hennigan
canonical_url: "https://kent.nzi.me/who-we-are/our-history"
section: Page
---
Who we are

## Our history

Our story began as a small family business in Ireland over a century ago. Fast forward 100 years and we are now tackling the toughest challenge of our life time.

1919

We began as a small electrical and instrumentation business known as MF Kent. Established by Michael Francis Kent we were involved in the electrification of rural Ireland.

![Franks Dad]()

1963

Frank Kent, Michael's son, joined M.F Kent & Co., helping the business grow into a world-leading electrical and instrumentation specialist in the energy and industrial sectors over the next 25 years

![MF Kent Origins Picture]()

1989

Frank Kent retires and sold M.F. Kent & Co to the management team, which later went on to be known as Kentz.

![Frank cover]()

1994

Frank Kent comes out of retirement to establish Kentech.

![Kentech]()

1994-2011

Kentz rapidly became a respected engineering and construction business serving clients primarily in the oil and gas, petrochemical and mining and metals sectors. It grew to work across 30 countries with expertise delivered through 14,500 dedicated employees. It was listed on the AIM market in 2008 and the London Stock Exchange in 2011.

![Gorgon barrow]()

1994 - 2015

Kentech became a trusted electrical and instrumentation specialist primarily working in the oil and gas and industrial sectors in 17 countries with 4,000 dedicated employees. Sarah Kent became CEO and was responsible for the growth of the business.

![Kentech History]()

2014

In 2014 Kentz was purchased by SNC-Lavalin Group.

![Kentz]()

2015

In 2015, Kentech receives investment from Bluewater, the leading global energy investment firm, who became majority shareholders.

![BWE]()

2020

Sarah Kent steps down as CEO of Kentech and hands the reigns over to long serving and former COO, John Gilley.

![John Gilley quote]()

2021

Kentech announce the acquisition of SNC-Lavalin's Oil & Gas business. This brings together the expertise of Kentech, SNC-Lavalin Oil & Gas and their previous acquisitions of the former Atkins Oil & Gas, Kentz and Houston Offshore Engineering. The acquisition spawns the birth of Kent.

![Day 1 Office Poster 04]()

2023

Kent delivers remarkable 75% growth in top-line revenue in just three years. Moreover, 2023 saw a healthy 23% growth in profitability and a remarkable 32% growth in the backlog figure compared to 2022 numbers.

![Kent branded stock]()

2024

Kent acquired by Nesma & Partners, a leading contracting company in the Middle East and sets out to supercharge growth.

![Nesma x Kent Thumbnail]()