Simon Kench, Nico Dekker Lead Acquisition of Prime Horizontal

By TT Staff May 1, 2026

Prime Horizontal, pioneer and global leading service provider in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) has recently successfully completed a management buyout. The acquisition sees Simon Kench and Nico Dekker become managing partners as CEO and CFO retrospectively.

Since its founding in 1997, Prime Horizontal has built an established reputation in the market as experts in providing HDD guidance services. Over time, the company has expanded its operations to include sales and rental of HDD downhole tools. Today the company has offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Netherlands and Australia. This enables the company to provide worldwide customer service. Working with renowned companies across the globe, thousands of utilities and energy pipeline pilot hole drilling projects have successfully been delivered.

Kench began his career as a guidance engineer in 1995 and is one of Prime Horizontal’s original founders. His technical background, combined with his field and management experience, has played a central role in the company’s development.

“Having been a part of Prime Horizontal since its founding in 1997, this management buyout is both a continuation and evolution,” says Kench. “We are focused on continuing to deliver high-quality customer support and tooling, as well as building strong relationships with our clients worldwide. Our strength lies in our experience, our people and our commitment to getting every job done right.”

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This expertise is coupled with Dekker’s experience spanning finance, HR and marketing. His focus on operational structure and growth complements Prime Horizontal’s technical strengths, supporting the company’s continued expansion.

“This management buyout positions us to expand our international presence, ensuring business continuity, growth, and stability for all stakeholders,” says Dekker.”

The decision to acquire Prime Horizontal was driven by a clear vision to further develop the company’s international service offering. With a diverse and experienced global team in place, the new leadership sees significant opportunity to build on the existing market reputation.

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Looking ahead, the company will focus on continuing international growth. They will increase global availability of experienced and multilingual teams. Additionally, the company will maintain and improve high quality and innovative services and tooling to support customer’s needs.

SOURCE – Prime Horizontal