RSK Group

RSK Group was established in 1989 in Aberdeen by Alan Ryder,{{cite news |last1=Begum |first1=Shelina |title=£10m funding for RSK Group to support long-term growth plans |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/10m-funding-rsk-group-support-12285888 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=7 December 2016}} and has grown both organically and through an accelerating programme of acquisitions.{{cite news |title=CEO question time: Alan Ryder, RSK - part I |url=https://environment-analyst.com/global/106705/ceo-question-time-alan-ryder-rsk-part-i |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Environment Analyst |date=15 March 2021}} Today based in Helsby in Cheshire, it aimed to become Europe's largest privately owned environmental and engineering business with a £1 billion turnover and employing 10,000 people worldwide by 2025. RSK has acquired over 70 businesses in six years from 2016.

In the year to April 2021, RSK's turnover reached £350.5m, up from £274.8m the previous year, and made a pre-tax loss of £18.9m, having made interest payments to backers of £22.8m. In the year to April 2022, RSK made a fifth consecutive pre-tax loss, of £38.1m, on a turnover of £796m inflated due to its dozens of acquisitions. It made £39.9m in interest payments.{{cite news |title=Fifth year of pre-tax losses for RSK |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/fifth-year-of-pre-tax-losses-for-rsk |access-date=9 February 2023 |work=The Construction Index |date=9 February 2023}}

In August 2023, RSK announced plans to raise £500m from sales of shares in the business. Supplementing around £500m from Ares Management, this would provide £1bn to fund further acquisitions. It aimed to raise headcount to 40,000 by 2030, expanding internationally in Australia, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Acquisitive RSK looks to raise £500m through stake sale |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/08/08/acquisitive-rsk-looks-to-raise-500m-through-stake-sale/ |access-date=8 August 2023 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=8 August 2023}}

In the year to April 2023, RSK grew its revenues over 50%, to £1.22bn. Pre-tax losses doubled to £81m, after £74m in interest payments. Founder and CEO Ryder said the group was on track to achieve £5bn revenue by 2030. By March 2024, having completed 24 further acquisitions, RSK employed 10,530 staff.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Acquisitive RSK tops £1.2bn turnover |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/03/04/acquisitive-rsk-tops-1-2bn-turnover/ |access-date=4 March 2024 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=4 March 2024}}

In June 2024, RSK secured £500m (and an additional £300m debt facility) to fund further strategic takeovers. The preferred equity investment came from a consortium led by Searchlight Capital Partners and Ares Management funds.{{Cite web |date=19 June 2024 |title=RSK gets another £800m to spend on acquisitions |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/rsk-gets-another-800m-to-spend-on-acquisitions |access-date=27 March 2025 |website=The Construction Index |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ware |first=Daniel |date=2024-09-24 |title=RSK completes preferred equity raise with total investment increasing to £520 million |url=https://www.watermagazine.co.uk/2024/09/24/rsk-completes-preferred-equity-raise-with-total-investment-increasing-to-520-million/ |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=Water Magazine |language=en-US}} RSK aimed to increase turnover from £1.2bn to over £5bn by 2030, and to grow to 400 businesses.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=RSK secures £500m for fresh acquisitions spree |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/06/17/rsk-secures-500m-to-fund-new-acquisitions-spree/ |access-date=18 June 2024 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=17 June 2024}}

In the year to 31 March 2024, RSK recorded a 52% increase in revenue to £1.9bn. The group reported an operating profit of £8m, but loan interest payments totalling £143m contributed to a pre-tax loss of £132m (up from a loss of £90m in 2023).{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=RSK revenue nears £2bn as losses soar to £132m |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2025/02/12/rsk-revenue-nears-2bn-as-losses-soar-to-132m/ |access-date=18 February 2025 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=12 February 2025}}

{{Primary sources|section|date=December 2021}}

Following a number of early acquisitions including Structural Soils (2007),{{Cite web|date=4 May 2007|title=RSK merges with Structural Soils to become the UK's number one site investigation company|url=https://www.environmental-expert.com/news/rsk-merges-with-structural-soils-to-become-the-uk-s-number-one-site-investigation-company-14078|access-date=2 December 2021|website=Environmental Expert}} Dynamic Sampling and JB Site Investigations (both 2016),{{Cite web|title=RSK Group becomes UK's largest site investigation provider {{!}} Permira Credit|url=https://www.permiracredit.com/media-centre/news/rsk-group-becomes-uks-largest-site-investigation-provider/|access-date=2021-12-02|website=www.permiracredit.com}} RSK Group made its first large acquisition with ADAS in late 2016.{{Cite web|title=RSK Group plc acquires ADAS to add agricultural and additional environmental services to its portfolio • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/rsk-group-plc-acquires-adas-to-add-agricultural-and-additional-environmental-services-to-is-portfolio/|access-date=2021-12-02|website=RSK|language=en-GB}} ADAS was the UK's largest independent provider of agricultural and environmental consultancy services, bringing with it a then 300-strong workforce that made the RSK Group one of the largest environmental consultancies in the UK in 2016.{{Cite web|title=RSK buys ADAS|url=https://environment-analyst.com/51554/rsk-buys-adas|access-date=2021-12-02|website=Environment Analyst Global|language=en}}

In May 2017, the company acquired Acies Civil and Structural, followed in June by the acquisition of KMGP Ltd. In December, RSK completed a trio of deals, acquiring C.J. Associates Geotechnical Ltd, Up and Under Group Ltd and all outstanding (80%) shares of RSKW Ltd.

;2018

In 2018, after securing a £140m funding package in the form of a unitranche senior debt facility from funds managed by Ares Capital Europe (Ares){{Cite web|title=RSK Group raises financing from funds managed by Ares Capital Europe and announces acquisitions of bts and tbf • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/rsk-group-raises-financing-from-funds-managed-by-ares-capital-europe-and-announces-acquisitions-of-bts-tbf/|access-date=2021-12-01|website=RSK|language=en-GB}} to make around 10 acquisitions, RSK acquired Manchester-based acoustics consultant Cole Jarman{{cite news |title=RSK goes private |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/rsk-goes-private |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Construction Index |date=4 January 2018}} and Washington, UK-based 108-strong site investigation specialist Ian Farmer Associates (£10m annual turnover).{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=Coreena |title=Washington's Ian Farmer Associates snapped up by global business RSK |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/business/business-news/washingtons-ian-farmer-associates-snapped-14127074 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=ChronicleLive |date=8 January 2018}} Specialist ecological and grounds maintenance business, Twig Group, also joined RSK Group in 2018{{cite web |title=Sale of Twig Group to RSK Group |url=https://castlecf.com/sale-of-twig-group-to-rsk-group/ |website=Castle Corporate Finance |access-date=3 September 2021}} along with Non-Destructive Testing Services and Copeland Wedge Associates. In October 2018, RSK acquired CAN UK Holdings. In December 2018, the business acquired J&A Pelling, Pelling and Pellings LLP.

;2019

In February 2019, the business acquired Dr Tillmans & Partner GmbH. RSK completed the acquisition of tbf Contracting and BTS Group,{{cite web |title=tbf Contracting join forces with RSK |url=https://www.tbftraffic.com/tbf-contracting-join-forces-with-rsk/ |website=tbfTraffic |access-date=3 September 2021}} and in March the group acquired Headland Group and Drilling Supplies.{{cite news |title=New Era For Drilling Supplies As Established Group RSK Acquires Business From Long-Term Owner |url=https://www.businessupnorth.co.uk/new-era-for-drilling-supplies-as-established-group-rsk-acquires-business-from-long-term-owner/ |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Business Up North |date=8 May 2019}} In April RSK acquired Consents Solutions, followed by Biocensus (renamed RSK Biocensus) and AA Milieu-En Adviesbureau BV in May. In June, the business acquired all share capital of Raw Technology (renamed RSK Raw), followed by Geocore Site Investigations in August and Ecologia Environmental Solutions Holdings in September. In October the business acquired ATP Architects + Solutions and Silcock Leedham Group.

;2020

In February 2020, RSK acquired Salix River & Wetland Services and a month later in March, acquired consultancy Nicholas O'Dwyer,{{cite news |title=RSK acquires again, expanding domestic and overseas footprint |url=https://environment-analyst.com/uk/103541/rsk-acquires-again-expanding-domestic-and-overseas-footprint |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Environment Analyst |date=27 March 2020}} and Morrison (Falklands). In September, the business acquired WRc (formerly the public-funded Water Research Centre).{{cite news |title=RSK scoops up WRc in ongoing acquisition campaign |url=https://environment-analyst.com/uk/105900/rsk-scoops-up-wrc-in-ongoing-acquisition-campaign |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Environment Analyst |date=4 September 2020}} In December 2020, RSK acquired Black & Veatch's 1,200-strong UK and Asia water and environment businesses, and rebranded it by resurrecting the historic Binnie brand.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=RSK swoops for Black & Veatch UK and Asia water ops |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/12/20/rsk-swoops-for-black-veatch-uk-and-asia-water-ops/ |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=20 December 2020}}{{cite news |title=RSK set to acquire B&V's UK and Asia water & environment business |url=https://environment-analyst.com/global/106336/rsk-set-to-acquire-bvs-uk-and-asia-water-environment-business |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Environment Analyst |date=18 December 2020}}

;2021

In early 2021, RSK acquired CAS Ltd{{Cite web|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/specialist-access-provision/|title=RSK bolsters specialist access provision after rapid growth • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|website=RSK}} CR Civil Engineering (200 staff), the Enviresearch group (19),{{cite web |title=Chemistry Right For RSK Group's Acquisition of Newcastle's Enviresearch |url=https://www.r-m-t.co.uk/blog/chemistry-right-for-rsk-groups-acquistion-of-newcastles-enviresearch/ |website=RMT |access-date=3 September 2021}} and EDP Health, Safety and Environment Consultants (50), and in April, RSK Orbital, SkyVision International, The Scan Station, and Smith & Kennedy Architects.{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Jon |title=RSK Group acquires four new businesses as international reach grows |url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/rsk-group-acquires-four-new-20377816 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=BusinessLive |date=13 April 2021}} In May 2021, the business announced a quartet of acquisitions: UK planning and landscaping services provider Stephenson Halliday, UK chartered surveyor Waldrams, German geotechnical consultants Althoff & Lang GbR and New Zealand risk management company Quality Solutions International (QSI).{{Cite web|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/rsk-continues-its-strategic-expansion/|title=RSK continues its strategic expansion with further growth in the UK, Germany and New Zealand • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|website=RSK}} In June, RSK acquired Ireland-based Minerex Environmental.{{Cite web|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/rsk-group-continues-expansion-in-ireland/|title=RSK Group continues expansion in Ireland • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|website=RSK}} In July, in its tenth deal of the year, it acquired UK specialist geotechnical contractor TechnikGS.{{cite news |title=RSK Group Ltd acquires TechnikGS |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2021/07/06/303025/rsk-group-ltd-acquires-technikgs |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Private Equity Wire |date=6 July 2021}} In August RSK acquired CS2 chartered surveyors{{Cite web|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/cs2-chartered-surveyors-join-the-rsk-group/|title=CS2 chartered surveyors join the RSK Group • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|website=RSK}} and Leap Environmental.{{Cite web|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/leap-environmental-joins-rsk-group/|title=Leap Environmental joins RSK Group • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|website=RSK}}

In August 2021, RSK agreed the largest private credit backed, sustainability-linked financing deal on the market to date with Ares European Direct Lending serving as sole lenders of £1 billion available debt facilities to boost the growth of the business.{{Cite web|title=RSK secures funding boost from Ares Management Corporation in largest private credit backed sustainability linked financing to date • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/rsk-secures-funding-boost-from-ares/|access-date=2021-12-01|website=RSK|language=en-GB}} The new debt facilities include an annual margin review based on the achievement of sustainability targets, which are broadly focused on carbon intensity reduction and continual improvement to health and safety management and ethics.{{Cite web|date=2021-08-09|title=Ares Management Corporation Leads £1 Billion of Available Debt Facilities to RSK Group in Largest Sustainability Linked Private Credit Financing to Date|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210809005048/en/Ares-Management-Corporation-Leads-%C2%A31-Billion-of-Available-Debt-Facilities-to-RSK-Group-in-Largest-Sustainability-Linked-Private-Credit-Financing-to-Date|access-date=2021-12-01|website=www.businesswire.com|language=en}} RSK anticipates interest savings in excess of £500,000 per year and has committed to donate a minimum of 50% of this margin benefit toward sustainability-related initiatives or charitable causes.

In September 2021, RSK acquired 800-strong, £200m turnover UK water business MWH Treatment,{{cite news |title=MWH Treatment joins RSK |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/mwh-treatment-joins-rsk |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Construction Index}} formerly part of MWH Constructors{{cite news|last1=Stein|first1=Joshua|date=3 September 2021|title=RSK Group acquires £200m-turnover specialist|work=Construction News|url=https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/financial/ma/rsk-group-acquires-200m-turnover-specialist-03-09-2021/|access-date=3 September 2021}} along with EiB and Electrokinetic.{{Cite web|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/specialist-service-providers-eib-and-electrokinetic-join-the-rsk-group/|title=Specialist service providers EiB and Electrokinetic join the RSK group • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|website=RSK}} In November 2021, RSK announced six acquisitions; renewable ground pump technologists Carbon Zero Consulting, water specialists Envireau Water, specialist waste management Enviroflow, traffic management services business Streetwise,{{Cite web|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/rsk-welcomes-four-new-businesses-into-the-growing-group/|title=RSK welcomes four new businesses into the growing group • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|website=RSK}} surveying and engineering services business Centara{{Cite web|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/rsk-group-welcomes-surveying-and-engineering-business-centara/|title=RSK Group welcomes surveying and engineering business Centara • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|website=RSK}} and tree surgery and management company Hi-Line Contractors S.W.{{Cite web|url=https://rskgroup.com/news/rsk-acquire-leading-tree-surgery-company-hi-line/|title=RSK Group delighted to add leading tree surgery company Hi-Line to its growing business • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy|website=RSK}} In December 2021, RSK made three acquisitions: Optisol Services, a solar farm maintenance and civil works contractor; Non Entry Systems Limited, which makes automated equipment for cleaning of difficult access areas; and ATV Contract Services, a landscape management firm.{{cite news |title=RSK perseveres with acquisition strategy |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/rsk-perseveres-with-acquisition-strategy |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=The Construction Index |date=9 March 2022}}

;2022

In January 2022, RSK took over Singleton Clamp & Partners, a transportation planning, highway and drainage consultancy with 45 employees in Manchester, Leeds and London. In February, RSK acquired Fishtek, a Devon-based consultant specialising in marine environments and designing fish passes. In March 2022, RSK took over Ireland's 26-strong Inis Environmental Consultants, and UK-based Richard Allitt Associates and 70-strong M&E specialist Ceetech.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=RSK buys East Anglian M&E specialist Ceetech |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/03/22/rsk-buys-east-anglian-me-specialist-ceetech/ |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=22 March 2022}}

In May 2022, it was announced RSK had acquired the France-based environmental consultancy company, ADEV Environment.{{Cite web |last=Media |first=Insider |title=RSK moves for French firm in latest acquisition |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/rsk-acquires-french-firm-in-latest-acquisition |access-date=2022-05-27 |website=Insider Media Ltd |language=en}} In August 2022, RSK acquired 125-strong UK scaffolding contractor MG Scaffolding,{{cite news |last1=Prior |first1=Grant |title=Consultant buys scaffolding contractor |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/08/10/consultant-buys-scaffolding-contractor/ |access-date=10 August 2022 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=10 August 2022}} and Cardiff-based facilities and environmental services management company MSS Group.{{cite news |title=RSK buys steel fabricator |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/rsk-buys-steel-fabricator |access-date=1 September 2022 |work=The Construction Index |date=1 September 2022}}

In September 2022, RSK announced the acquisition of Milestone Communications, specialists in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering for telecoms and renewable energy suppliers, South Wales-based Spencer Group, an environmental services and geotechnical contractor,{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=RSK buys Welsh contractor Spencer Group |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/09/22/rsk-buys-welsh-contractor-spencer-group/ |access-date=22 September 2022 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=22 September 2022}} and specialist infrastructure communications firm Copper Consultancy.{{cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=Rob |title=Copper joins RSK Group to accelerate growth |url=http://www.infrastructure-intelligence.com/article/sep-2022/copper-joins-rsk-group-accelerate-growth |access-date=29 September 2022 |work=Infrastructure Intelligence |date=28 September 2022}} In October 2022, it acquired civil, structural, geo-environmental and engineering consultant Travis Baker.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=RSK buys Midlands civils consultant Travis Baker |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2022/10/27/rsk-buys-midlands-civils-consultant-travis-baker/ |access-date=27 October 2022 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=27 October 2022}} At this point, RSK Group comprised over 175 companies, employing 10,000 people.

;2023

In January 2023, RSK acquired 260-strong temporary site services specialist WysePower.{{cite news |last1=Prior |first1=Grant |title=RSK Group buys temporary site services firm WysePower |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/01/09/rsk-group-buys-temporary-site-services-firm-wysepower/ |access-date=10 January 2023 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=9 January 2023}} In February 2023, RSK purchased BMG Research.{{cite web |title=BMG Research sold to RSK |website=Research Live |date=30 March 2025 |url=https://www.research-live.com/article/news/bmg-research-sold-to-rsk/id/5108822 |access-date=30 March 2025}} The social research company was founded in Birmingham in 1988, and also has offices in London.{{cite web |title=BMG Research Ltd • RSK • Engineering and Environmental Consultancy |website=RSK |date=10 March 2025 |url=https://rskgroup.com/rsk-business/bmg-research/ |access-date=30 March 2025}}{{cite web |title=A social research and analytics agency |website=BMG Research |date=3 March 2025 |url=https://bmgresearch.com/ |access-date=30 March 2025}}

In June 2023, RSK acquired a 400-strong UK rail track repair and renewal contractor, 1stInRail.{{cite news |last1=Prior |first1=Grant |title=RSK buys rail track repair and renewal contractor |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/06/13/rsk-buys-rail-track-repair-and-renewal-contractor/ |access-date=14 June 2023 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=14 June 2023}} In August 2023, RSK acquired the Aberdeen-based specialist energy engineering services company, PD&MS.{{Cite web |title=RSK Group acquires engineering and energy transition experts - Machinery Market News |url=http://www.machinery-market.co.uk/news/35290/RSK-Group-acquires-engineering-and-energy-transition-experts |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=Machinery Market}} In September 2023, RSK acquired Ireland's Larsen Water Management and Global Infrastructure Group, a £50m turnover railway contractor active in the UK and Ireland.{{cite news |title=RSK adds rail contractor |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/rsk-adds-rail-contractor |access-date=20 September 2023 |work=The Construction Index |date=20 September 2023}} In October 2023, RSK acquired 125-strong Jedburgh-based civil engineering contractor RJT Excavations.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=RSK snaps up muckshifting and civils firm RJT Excavations |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/10/03/rsk-snaps-up-muckshifting-and-civils-firm-rjt-excavations/ |access-date=4 October 2023 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=3 October 2023}}

;2024–2025

In August 2024, RSK acquired EB7, a London-based property consultant specialising in planning issues related to daylight and sunlight.{{cite news |title=RSK adds light rights specialist |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/rsk-adds-light-rights-specialist |access-date=27 August 2024 |work=The Construction Index |date=27 August 2024}} In February 2025, RSK acquired the 110-strong N-Able Group comprising ECD Architects and Keegans, a building consultancy specialising in retrofit and building/fire safety.{{cite news |title=RSK takes over N-Able Group |url=https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/rsk-takes-over-n-able-group |access-date=21 February 2025 |work=The Construction Index |date=20 February 2025}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Construction industry of the United Kingdom}}

Category:1989 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:Companies based in Cheshire

Category:Privately held companies of the United Kingdom

Category:Service companies of England