Collard acquire Raymond Brown Waste Solutions
Acquisition of RBWS strengthens Collard Group’s place in top tier of waste sector
IN a move that sees two of the South’s biggest names in waste combine in a milestone deal, Hampshire-based entrepreneur Rob Collard, who is currently celebrating 25 years in the waste business, has acquired Raymond Brown Waste Solutions (RBWS) for an undisclosed sum.
The purchase, which was announced on Friday 18 October 2019, will further elevate Collard Group Ltd into the top tier of waste-management companies with a 1 million+ tonne annual capacity for waste and recycling.
The addition of RBWS’ resources, including the incorporation of three strategically located waste-transfer stations at Chilton (Didcot), Nursling (Southampton) and at Andover, on the A303, expands Collard’s geographical footprint, making them an even more significant player in the waste sector in the South.
The company now operates from nine recycling centres across five counties from Hampshire to Surrey, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.
A combination of investment and acquisition has seen Collard Group grow exponentially in recent years into a multidisciplined provider of demolition, recycling, skip hire, haulage, aggregates and earthworks, as well as a supplier high-grade secondary aggregates and ready-mixed concrete.
The newly combined business now boasts over 4,000 skips, a 150-vehicle fleet, more than 400 staff and a turnover in excess of £50 million.
‘The deal brings together two successful businesses and strong brands, creating greater capacity for R Collard and expanding the services available to Raymond Brown Waste Solutions’ existing customers,’ said Rob Collard, who, as founder and owner, remains a hands-on presence at R Collard Ltd.
‘We felt there was great synergy between the two companies in terms of their service profile as well as their approach to recycling and sustainability.’
Don Coates, chief executive officer of Raymond Brown Group, commented: ‘Raymond Brown Waste Solutions has been a key part of the group’s overall development but will now have more opportunities for growth as part of a focused waste business.
‘I thank my colleagues for their hard work and dedication to Raymond Brown Group over the years and wish them all the best in what I am sure will be a prospering waste company.’
He added: ‘Raymond Brown Group will now concentrate on growing their Quarry Products and Fortis IBA divisions, both of which have had recent success in securing new reserves and contracts.’
Keen to reassure existing customers of both companies that it will be ‘business as usual’ following the announcement, Rob Collard said: ‘The integration of RBWS’ facilities, fleet, equipment and, most importantly, their people, including the existing management team, will enable us to achieve a seamless transition of service for existing customers. The two brands will continue to exist alongside each other as we work to merge RBWS into Collard Group.’
Rob Collard started as a sole trader in 1994 with a second-hand tipper lorry providing haulage services to local construction companies. The last five years has seen significant investment in plant and equipment, including a state-of-the-art wash plant and new ready-mixed concrete plant, as well as strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of his late-father’s waste-management business, M Collard Ltd, in August 2016.
