10th Mar 2006 12:35
RPS Group PLC10 March 2006 RPS GROUP PLC("RPS" or "the Group") Acquisition of Ecos Consulting (Aust) Pty Ltd ("Ecos" or "the Company") RPS announces the acquisition of Ecos a leading provider of environmentalconsultancy services to the energy and minerals industries in Australia. Introduction RPS's strategy is to enhance its market position by developing its range ofservices, employing highly skilled staff and making acquisitions of qualitybusinesses in order to extend its expertise and geographical presence. Ecos (www.ecos.com.au) Located in Perth, Australia, Ecos has been providing consultancy services to theenergy and minerals industries since 1996. Ecos employs 15 permanent full time staff. In addition, and as is common inthis sector, the business utilises a number of specialist consultants, themajority of whom have long term relationships with the Company. Mark Watson,the Operational Director of Ecos, will be remaining with RPS followingcompletion. In the year ended 30 June 2005 Ecos had revenues of A$4.0 million (£1.7million), and adjusted profit before tax of A$0.2 million (£0.1 million). Netassets at 30 June 2005 were A$0.2 million (£0.1 million). The current year isshowing significant growth. Consideration Consideration paid at completion was A$1.3 million (£0.5 million) in cash. Onboth the first and second anniversaries of the transaction, assuming certainoperational conditions are met, a further A$0.2 million (£0.1 million) will bepaid in cash. Brook Land, RPS Chairman, said: "Ecos has a strong reputation in Australia for providing high qualityenvironmental consultancy services. It will supplement both our energy andplanning and development businesses and we welcome Mark Watson and his team toRPS. Our 2005 results will be published on 14 March and will show a performanceabove market expectations. 2006 has begun encouragingly." 10 March 2006 RPS is an international consultancy providing advice upon the development ofnatural resources, land and property, the management of the environment and thehealth and safety of people. We trade in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands,North America and Australia and undertake projects in many other parts of theworld. ENQUIRIES RPS Group plcDr Alan Hearne, Chief Executive Tel: 01235 863206 College HillJustine Warren Tel: 020 7457 2020Matthew Smallwood This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
RPS.L