Brealey selling his 83.2% stake in NZ Strong to Amalgamated boss

Shane Brealey said he planned to stay on for a few more months in a transition phase. Photo / Paul Escourt

A decade ago, builder Shane Brealey had what he called a Jerry Maguire moment, realising he had the skills and contacts to leave big corporate Multiplex and start NZ Strong.

Now the builder who in 2004 channelled Tom Cruise is selling his 83.2 per cent stake to Amalgamated Builders' executive chairman, Chris Hunter, who says he plans to continue the strategy of working for a variety of clients in the government, education and infrastructure sector.

The remaining stake in the builder will continue to be owned by Jamie Vallance.

NZ Strong had revenue of $50 million to $60 million and is a tier two Auckland builder, with 34 staff, Hunter says.

The sale was on November 3 and Hunter will be NZ Strong's managing director.

Brealey said he planned to stay on for a few more months in a transition phase.

Hunter has been in the construction industry for about 30 years, overseeing many Auckland projects in his previous roles as Auckland area manager of Mainzeal and as Hawkins chief executive.

Some of his bigger projects included the Waikato Hospital Meade Clinical Centre, Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the grand atrium at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and work on the domestic and international terminals at Auckland International Airport.

NZ Strong has just published a book, 10 Years Strong, which features photographs of major projects including its $25 million contract on the Otahuhu Recreation Centre, $16.6 million New Lynn train station job, $13 million Lopdell House and gallery contract, $10.2 million work on the Auckland Netball Centre and $14.6 million contract on the Northern Busway stations.