Umax Group, the Ross-shire-based oil pipeline welding specialist, has acquired a 50% holding in Sureclean, a cleaning and waste management firm, for around (pounds) 1m. The deal, which will link two companies that serve oil companies across the world, is expected to lead to synergies for both firms. Umax, which has done most of its work for North Sea contractors, recently established a base in Alabama in the US to target opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico. Alness-based Sureclean has worked for oil companies across Africa as well as offshore UK. Aberdeen Murray Johnstone Private Equity invested (pounds) 600,000 for a 35% stake in Sureclean in 1998, which has been acquired by Umax.