RSK acquires two new firms NDT and CWA

London, 11 April 2018: Leading environmental and engineering services company RSK Group Ltd today announced that it has acquired Non Destructive Testing Services Ltd (NDT Services), an independent pile testing engineering company contracting to the construction sector and based near Nottingham, and Copeland Wedge Associates (CWA), consulting civil and structural engineers based in central Birmingham.

NDT Services has been providing a wide range of testing services at construction sites throughout the UK for over 29 years. Its prestigious projects include various Airbus UK facilities, Wembley Stadium and the London Olympic Park.

CWA provides a range civil and structural engineering services for projects ranging from multimillion-pound developments to the niche engineering required to complement bespoke architectural designs. It has worked on a wide range of building projects across the UK, including schools, colleges, police and fire stations, health and care centres, and hotel, retail and leisure facilities.

Both businesses, including NDT Services’ 20 staff members and CWA’s 39, will join RSK’s geosciences and engineering division headed by divisional director George Tuckwell.

This is the latest in a major series of acquisitions by RSK, which is based in Helsby, Cheshire. It follows the acquisition of Central Alliance Pre Construction Services Ltd in March, CJ Associates and Up and Under Group, and the merger with RSKW in January, and the acquisition of acoustics, noise and vibration consultancy Cole Jarman and site investigation services firm Ian Farmer Associates in November 2017, all of which add to RSK’s growing portfolio. Acquiring NDT Services and CWA builds on RSK’s recent growth in civil and structural engineering capabilities.

Permira Debt Managers has backed RSK in making the acquisitions and the merger as part of a £140-million funding package agreed in 2017 that will include about 10 acquisitions for the group. RSK’s advisers on these latest purchases were Dow Schofield Watts Transaction Services LLP (due diligence), Dow Schofield Watts Corporate Finance Ltd (corporate finance) and Memery Crystal LLP (legal).

The acquisition of NDT Services and CWA brings RSK’s headcount to over 2300 in 85 offices worldwide. The NDT Services and CWA businesses will continue to operate under their existing brands. NDT Services directors John Purser and Andrew Martin will continue to head the company working alongside existing key NDT Services personnel. Directors David Copeland, Jim O’Donnell and Steve Wedge will continue to lead CWA.

According to the 2017 UK industry Market Trends report, RSK ranked as the eighth overall environmental consultancy, top for contaminated land/remediation and environmental/sustainability policy and strategy. Other top five places included third for regulated industries; third for environmental liabilities, risks and hazards; fourth for environmental management and compliance; and fifth for working infrastructure and development clients. These latest acquisitions will likely see RSK’s profile grow in the industry’s important rankings. RSK is listed in the New Civil Engineer’s top 100 engineering companies and has acquired 20 environmental and analysis companies across Europe and the Middle East in the past decade and seen impressive growth during that time that has helped to create a £150-million-turnover business.

Dr Alan Ryder, chief executive officer, RSK, said, “I am delighted to join forces with NDT Services and CWA. Both companies have extremely experienced and skilled people who share our common values. Our plan is to invest in the companies and help them to grow. RSK can now offer pile testing to complement our existing geotechnical and structural engineering expertise. And CWA will bring us better access to the Birmingham/West Midlands market and further enhance our engineering teams.”

John Purser, managing director of NDT Services, said, “The prospect of NDT Services moving forward with the support of RSK is exciting for staff, suppliers and clients alike. We feel that adding our specialist pile testing services to the RSK portfolio is a perfect fit that will enable the company to fulfil its potential within the industry.”

Steve Wedge, director of CWA, said, “The announcement of RSK’s acquisition of CWA is very positive news for our business. Combining our expertise with RSK’s considerable engineering strengths means we can grow and deliver ever more powerful solutions to meet our clients’ needs.”