But Council say it will be 'business as usual'

John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS) the company which, in September, signed a five year deal to deliver Ealing's library services, has been sold on.

Carillion - a 'leading integrated support services company' has bought part of JLIS and will take over the management of the borough's libraries on behalf of the council.

Just last month JLIS signed a contract to manage 23 libraries and home services on behalf of Ealing and Harrow.

At the time, JLIS Managing Director, Tim Grier said: 

“Our contract with the London Boroughs of Ealing and Harrow is a tremendous opportunity for JLIS and our partners to deliver real efficiencies that support the continuation and improvement of library services across London. In addition to the contract with the London Boroughs of Ealing and Harrow, JLIS also currently provides library services to the neighbouring borough of Hounslow and will begin a similar contract for the London Borough of Croydon in October. 

“We are delighted to be working with the London Boroughs of Ealing and Harrow to support their strategic aims for the future and fundamentally, to provide an excellent library service to the Ealing and Harrow communities”.

The new deal was signed on 18th October and up to 1,500 staff have transferred over to Carillion.

In 2012 the Carillion Group had an annual revenue of some £4.4 billion, it employs around 40,000 people and operates across the UK, in the Middle East and Canada.

Adrian Ewer, chief executive of John Laing, said: "Our decision to dispose of JLIS underlines our commitment to our principal investment and asset management activities.

“JLIS has made significant progress over the last few years, but it no longer fits within our core strategy. We are confident that under its new ownership, the business will see future growth within the public sector and benefit from being a part of an integrated support services company.

A spokesperson for Ealing Council said: '' “Our priority is to ensure that  high quality library services are provided to our residents. It will therefore be business as usual.”

23rd October 2013