Scott Wilson - General - UK, Scott Wilson Buys Two Firms for £30m

Date: 12 Dec 2006

Further acquisitions enhance capability in the property, nuclear, petrochemical and pharmaceuticals sectors.

Scott Wilson Group plc, the international consultancy offering integrated professional services in the transportation, property, environmental and natural resources sectors, today announces the completion of the acquisitions of Cameron Taylor Group Limited and DGP International Limited for a maximum aggregate consideration of £30.2m.

Highlights:

* Acquisitions of Cameron Taylor and DGP for a combined maximum consideration of £30.2m

* Cameron Taylor significantly enhances the Group's presence in the UK property sector

* DGP brings new skills within the nuclear, petrochemical and pharmaceuticals sectors and strengthens the Group's market presence in the North West of England and within the water and waste management sectors

* Both businesses have a clear sector focus and strong management teams that are remaining after acquisition. They are experiencing significant growth and achieving attractive operating margins

* Group current trading remains in line with the indications given at the time of the AGM. The Group expects to announce its interim results on 16 January 2007 at which time management will give a full update on current trading

This takes to five the number of completed acquisitions since Scott Wilson floated earlier this year. Each has broadened the Group's presence in attractive segments in keeping with the stated strategy of the Group. The Group retains significant capacity to finance both acquisitions and continued organic growth.

Commenting on today's announcement, Geoff French, Executive Chairman of Scott Wilson, said:
"At the time of our flotation, the Board set out a clear strategy for achieving sustained growth, both organic and by acquisition, in revenue, margins and shareholder returns by building on the Group's position as one of the leading international engineering consultancies. Today's announcement highlights further significant progress in delivering complementary acquisitive growth to the Group."

"We are delighted to have made these high quality and strategically important acquisitions. Both businesses bring expanded geographical coverage and sectoral expertise. We look forward to realising operating synergies as we integrate these businesses into our existing divisions."

Reasons For and Benefits of the Acquisitions

Both Cameron Taylor and DGP are highly regarded businesses experiencing strong growth with a clear sector focus, attractive operating margins and strong management teams who are remaining after acquisition.

Cameron Taylor substantially increases Scott Wilson's capability in the UK property sector, with annualised sector revenues of approximately £54m when combined with our existing businesses, making Scott Wilson a top 10 ranked consultancy in this sector. John Horgan, currently chief executive of Cameron Taylor, will chair Scott Wilson's Property Sector Board, which will co-ordinate the Group's activities within the sector across all of its operating Divisions.

DGP will bring new skills within the nuclear, petrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors and strengthens the Group's market presence in the North West of England and within the water and waste management sectors.

The Directors anticipate that the acquisitions will enable the enlarged Scott Wilson Group to benefit from a significantly improved market profile with a wider client base, enhanced complementary skills and additional opportunities to undertake major assignments both in the UK and overseas.

Where do I go now?: » View the latest news items » View the news archive » Subscribe to Weekly Construction Newsletter » Submit news