RSK sets sites on the future
A Washington site investigations company has been snapped up.
RSK has acquired the business, operating assets and employees of Ian Farmer Associates in a deal which will lay the foundations for future growth.
The firm was advised and sold to leading environmental consultancy RSK by the corporate finance team at Clive Owen LLP, led by Angus Allan.
All 108 staff of Ian Farmer Associates are being kept on and the business principals – Ken Marsh and John Marsh, who have more than 50 years’ combined experience across all sectors – will stay on to assist the integration.
Operating from eight sites across the UK, Ian Farmer Associates will become a key part of RSK’s Geosciences and Engineering division. Its name and brand will be retained as a wholly owned subsidiary of RSK.
David Wilson, associate director of Clive Owen Corporate Finance, said: “We have worked closely with Ian Farmer Associates and supporting this disposal has been a particularly satisfying experience because the outcomes have been so beneficial for everyone involved.
“Knowing Ian Farmer Associates intimately allowed us to find the most appropriate opportunity for them, then anticipate and plan a clear journey through complex negotiations towards a successful disposal.
“Becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of RSK will allow the business to flourish and grow to achieve a bright future. Our team had a busy 2017 and this deal, for a very longstanding client, was one of the highlights.”
Ian Farmer Associates has been carrying out ground investigations since 1985 and has a strong client base.
With an annual turnover of £10million, its principal areas of work are in ground investigation, covering geotechnical and geoenvironmental services, along with construction and built environment services.
Clive Owen LLP worked with partner Tilly Bailey &Irvine LLP, who assisted the shareholders in all aspects of legal due diligence and negotiating the transaction documentation.