RSK Group acquires French geotechnical engineering consultancy CELIGEO

RSK has announced the acquisition of CELIGEO, a specialist geotechnical engineering consultancy headquartered in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The acquisition strengthens the group’s capability in one of the country’s most active construction and infrastructure regions.

Founded in 2016, CELIGEO provides soil and subsurface studies across the full project life cycle. Its services include geotechnical investigations, infiltration and drainage analysis, and geo-risk assessments, including mining subsidence and clay shrink–swell. The business combines field testing and sampling with laboratory analysis, design advice and regulatory reporting.

The company serves public and private sector clients, including local authorities, developers, architects, insurers and homeowners, primarily across the Loire and Rhône regions.

Examples of the team’s work include geotechnical studies for local authority frameworks, site investigations for residential and commercial developments, and specialist assessments linked to subsurface risk, including post-mining conditions and ground movement.

RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “CELIGEO strengthens RSK’s geotechnical capability in France, further building on RSK’s existing leadership position in this important technical area. The business has a multidisciplinary technical scope that allows it to operate as a fully integrated provider, with in-house drilling and testing equipment and a fully equipped soil laboratory. This supports consistent quality control and responsive delivery to clients, which closely mirrors RSK’s commitment to service excellence. CELIGEO’s expertise in subsurface risk and its strong regional relationships complement our existing services and support our long-term growth in infrastructure and environmental solutions.”

CELIGEO founders Céline and Michel Fournel, who will continue to support the business and contribute their technical expertise and long-standing client relationships, said: “Joining RSK France is a natural next step for CELIGEO. We share a strong commitment to technical excellence, close client relationships and sustainable development. This new chapter creates new opportunities for development while preserving the values and agility that define our business.”

RSK France Managing Director Emmanuel Costa added: “CELIGEO’s recognised geotechnical expertise and strong regional presence are highly complementary to RSK France’s existing environmental and ecosystem restoration activities. We look forward to contributing to the company’s continued development while maintaining the close client relationships and high standards of service that have built CELIGEO’s reputation.”

The adviser to the sellers was YT Conseil. RSK Group was advised by Bird & Bird.