6th Oct 2008 07:00
Atkins acquisition boosts nuclear design capability
6 October 2008
WS Atkins plc (Atkins), Europe's largest design and engineering consultancy, has strengthened its position in the nuclear sector with the acquisition of MG Bennett & Associates Ltd (MG Bennett), a multidisciplinary engineering design company, from its founder shareholders for a cash consideration of £2.5 million.
With a team of 30 people, MG Bennett was formed in 1984 and is based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The company specialises in mechanical and structural engineering and has a strong track record in delivering solutions to the nuclear industry, having developed particular expertise in lifting and handling nuclear-related materials.
MG Bennett also works in the aerospace, oil and gas, power, environmental and rail sectors.
The acquisition enhances Atkins' nuclear capability and its expertise in mechanical design. Atkins currently has more than 250 staff working across the nuclear industry and supports its clients in the areas of decommissioning, current generating capacity, waste storage and the new-build programme.
Chris Ball, director of the nuclear business at Atkins, said: "This acquisition strengthens our business as we seek to enhance our offering in the mechanical design sector and to ensure we have the skills in place to respond to increased demand in the new build, decommissioning and generation markets. We're pleased to welcome the MG Bennett team and look forward to working with them."
Nick Cooper, managing director of MG Bennett and one of the founding shareholders, added: "We are really proud of what we have achieved as a business and becoming part of Atkins allows our staff to unleash their full potential. I look forward to working with the teams in Atkins to provide solutions to the challenging opportunities in the nuclear industry and also to continue a high level of work for our existing clients."
Ends
For more information:
Ben Thompson 01372 752154
Head of press office [email protected]
Notes to editors:
Atkins (www.atkinsglobal.com) is a multinational engineering and design consultancy, providing expertise to help resolve complex challenges presented by the built and natural environment. With 18,000 staff and a turnover of £1.3bn, Atkins is the largest multidisciplinary consultancy in Europe, the largest engineering consultancy in both the UK and the Middle East, and the UK's second largest architecture firm.
The Energy division of Atkins employs circa 750 people in more than 20 offices across the globe in the conventional power, nuclear, oil & gas and renewables sectors.
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