SLR Consulting expand business in emerging markets

Environmental firm announces two key acquisitions following strong growth

LEADING independent environmental firm SLR Consulting have announced two major international acquisitions: California-based Strategic Engineering & Sciences (SES); and Johannesburg-based Synergistics Environmental Services Ltd. The move follows another strong year for UK-based SLR, having reported an 11% increase in revenues to £92.8 million (year ending October 2012). 

More importantly, the acquisitions will further extend SLR’s international capabilities in the energy and mining sectors, where the company has secured a number of global service contracts and work on key international projects. 

Employing 22 consultants in Irvine and Oakland, California, SES are a leading provider of consultancy services to clients in the mining, waste, planning and development sectors. With revenues in excess of £3 million, the firm is currently involved in projects in the US, Canada, Mexico and South America.

Synergistics are a top 20 South African environmental consultancy, with a client base that includes: Anglo American; BHP Billiton; Exxaro Resources; and waste management operators EnviroServ. Synergistics are SLR’s fourth African acquisition since 2011, making the firm one of the top three environmental consultants in Southern Africa. 

David Richards, chief executive of SLR, said: ‘The recent international acquisitions represent further milestones in our approach to augment strong organic growth with the selective acquisition of complementary companies to extend our technical and geographic coverage. With additional acquisition finance secured in 2012, we will continue to consider other selective acquisition opportunities, particularly in North America.’