RSK boosts infrastructure expertise in £5bn push with latest acquisition

RSK Group has reinforced its geotechnical engineering capabilities as part of its push toward a £5 billion revenue target through its latest acquisition.

The environmental and engineering group has acquired CELIGEO, a specialist geotechnical engineering consultancy.

While its value was not disclosed, its purchase marks RSK’s third acquisition in the current financial year.

It strengthens the group, which is targeting £5 billion revenue by 2030, with expands its presence in a key construction and infrastructure region in France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Founded in 2016, CELIGEO provides soil and subsurface studies.

These include geotechnical investigations, drainage analysis, and geo-risk assessments such as mining subsidence and clay shrink–swell.

Its portfolio spans the full project lifecycle – from fieldwork and laboratory testing to design advice and regulatory reporting – serving public and private sector clients including residential and commercial developers, local authorities, and architects, mainly across the Loire and Rhône regions.

RSK chief executive officer Alan Ryder said: “CELIGEO strengthens RSK’s geotechnical capability in France, further building on RSK’s existing leadership position in this important technical area.

“[Its] expertise in subsurface risk and its strong regional relationships complement our existing services and support our long-term growth in infrastructure and environmental solutions.”

RSK France managing director Emmanuel Costa said the acquisition complements the company’s environmental and ecosystem restoration activities in the region.

CELIGEO founders Céline and Michel Fournel, who described the deal as a “natural step” creating “new opportunities”, will remain involved, contributing technical expertise and client relationships.

Having already surpassed £2.2 billion in revenue – up from £275 million in 2020 – and driven by acquisitions across water, energy, infrastructure and environmental markets, RSK has completed more than a dozen deals over the past year.

This includes high-voltage grid connection infrastructure specialist HVES, based in Bristol, and Rotherham-based mechanical and engineering firm FSE, both acquired last month.

RSK now comprises in excess of 200 companies across 40-plus countries, including the Middle East, Australia, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe, and employs more than 17,000 people worldwide.

Advisers to the latest deal were YT Conseil for CELIGEO and Bird & Bird for RSK.

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