UK-headquartered international environmental, engineering and technical services business RSKGroup is set to acquire the UK and Asia water businesses of engineering, procurement, consulting and construction firm Black & Veatch.

These include UK-based Black & Veatch Limited, Black & Veatch Hong Kong Ltd and Black & Veatch (SEA) Pte Ltd in Singapore.

RSK has confirmed that it is in late stages of agreeing the acquisition. The major deal represents a significant milestone for RSK whose annual turnover, which was £287 million in FY20, is expected to increase by £160 million as a result of the acquisition.

The acquisition will also increase RSK's global headcount from 4,300 to 5,500 employees and expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region, increasing RSK's global presence from 27 to 31 countries with the addition of Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, Philippines and Vietnam.

The deal is expected to complete in early 2021 and includes all the employees, contracts, leases and other assets of these entities – the businesses will operate under a new brand as Binnies.

Binnies will become the new brand name for the Black & Veatch Water businesses in Europe and Asia. The business specialises in water utility, infrastructure, engineering and environmental projects, and has special expertise in flood and coastal defence planning and design.

The Binnies division will operate as three businesses under a single brand. Each business will retain its current management team, including regional managing directors Scott Aitken (UK), William Yong (Singapore) and Andy Kwok (Hong Kong).

Operations in Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore, the Philippines and Vietnam will be brought into the group, in addition to the Binnies’ offices throughout the UK.

RSK chief executive officer and founder Alan Ryder commented:

“This acquisition marks the most significant growth in our 31-year history, positions RSK as a market leader in the water sector and provides a springboard for RSK into the East Asian markets.

“As climate change and biodiversity loss accelerate worldwide, water is becoming increasingly valuable. A key part of RSK’s climate agenda is to unleash the natural capital contained in clean water to help address and mitigate the flood risks that exist in so many parts of the world.

“The addition of Binnies to the group will greatly enhance RSK’s ability to address climate change, green growth and water and sanitation services at a global level through applied engineering excellence.”

"Binnies brings incredibly valuable specialist expertise in all areas of the water utility sector; flood and coastal defence planning and design; specialist environmental services; digital and data services; construction management and commissioning; and operations, thereby bringing a true end-to-end client service offering.

“The combination of RSK’s environmental, scientific and engineering capabilities and global presence with Binnies’ expertise in water utility, flood and coastal and environmental services will enable our group to deliver ever more sustainable water and environmental solutions.”

Managing Director of Binnies in Europe Scott Aitken said:

“The environment we live in is facing considerable challenges, so our clients are seeking sustainable, resilient and affordable solutions to meet these challenges. Our water environment is a very precious resource. I am delighted with the acquisition by RSK of what will become the new Binnies business, an RSK-owned company, and how, with the combination of technical excellence, leading digital technology capability and end-to-end service offering, we will be at the forefront of assisting our clients solve these complex challenges efficiently and effectively.”

Strengthening its presence in the water sector is a key strategic aim for RSK. The group also acquired the UK-based Water Research Centre (WRc) and its 350 employees last August and acquired Ireland-based water engineer Nicholas O’Dwyer and its 200 employees last March.

RSK said it is continuing to work towards its 2025 growth and diversification ambition: to become the largest privately owned environmental and engineering business in Europe, to employ 10,000 people and to turn over £1 billion annually.

Since 2016 RSK has completed a string of acquisitions, including:

• Financial year 2016/2017 - RSK acquired three businesses: ADAS, Dynamic Sampling and JB Site Investigations.
• Financial year 2017/2018 - RSK acquired seven businesses: Acies, KMGP, Ian Farmer Associates, Cole Jarman, Up and Under Group, CJ Associates and RSKW.
• Financial year 2018/2019 - RSK completed 12 acquisitions: Central Alliance, Non Destructive Testing Services, Copeland Wedge Associates, Twig, CAN, PB Drilling, bts Group, the TBF Contracting businesses, Pellings, Dr. Tillmanns & Partner, Headland Archaeology and Drilling Supplies & Hire Services.
• Financial year 2019/2020 - RSK acquired 11 businesses: Consents Solutions, Biocensus, Adverbo, RAW Technology, Geocore Site Investigations, Ecologia Environmental Solutions, ATP, Silcock Leedham Group, Salix, Morrison Falklands and Nicholas O’Dwyer.
• Financial year 2020/2021 - RSK has, so far, acquired six businesses: Ground Heat, PA Group, RoC Consulting, WRc, Cognica and Boden + Wasser.

In 1995, the world-renowned engineering consultancy Binnie & Partners merged with Black & Veatch, establishing the company’s presence in the UK, Hong Kong and Singapore. RSK said the name Binnies has been chosen to recognise the strong heritage, established values and strength of the former Binnie & Partners.