The Bury-based business, which employs around 2,000 staff across nine UK sites and international operations in Europe, the UAE and India, has been sold for an undisclosed sum.

Orange – who recently sold a stake in his CorpAcq investment firm to TDR Capital for reportedly over £1bn – has acquired the business in a personal capacity.

The current management team, including chief executive Susan Hodgkiss and group board director Matthew Nesbit, will stay in place under the new ownership.

Founded in 1945, William Hare has been involved in a string of major projects including Hinkley Point C, Battersea Power Station, and several HS2 bridges.

Orange said: “I am thrilled to be investing in William Hare, a company with a strong culture and rich history, which is working with a broad spectrum of clients on some of the largest and most exciting buildings in the world.”

He added: “With market leading credentials in engineering, fabrication, construction and sustainability, I know that William Hare is a business built for the future.”

Nesbit said the deal would give the business a platform to keep growing. “The business is in a really strong financial position, with historically high levels of cash, providing clients the confidence to continue trusting us to deliver the quality and outcomes that we have built our reputation on.”

He added: “In the current climate, it’s clear the market needs confidence in its supply chain and with our expertise and strong financial position we believe we are well placed to provide that and deliver world class projects across the built environment.”

William Hare will continue to support work on high-profile office, stadium, and infrastructure jobs across the UK as it targets long-term growth under Orange’s leadership.