Keller Group plc (“Keller” or “the Group”), the international ground engineering specialist, today announces the purchase of Systems Geotechnique Limited. The total consideration comprises an initial amount of approximately £7m payable in cash from Keller’s existing resources plus £1.5m of assumed debt, with a cash earn-out based on future profits.
Systems Geotechnique is a specialist contractor offering drilling and grouting services to the UK construction market. With annual sales of around £17m in the year ended 30 November 2006, it is the market leader in restricted access piling systems and enjoys a high profile in the small bore drilling sector generally. Systems Geotechnique was founded in 1999, has bases in Lancashire and Hampshire and employs over 100 staff.
The acquisition will enable Keller to establish a strong market lead in drilling and grouting services in the UK and to extend its range of problem-solving techniques. It follows the acquisition last year in the UK of Phi, a specialist contractor offering slope and excavation retaining wall systems.
Commenting on the acquisition, Justin Atkinson, Chief Executive of Keller, said:
“We are pleased to have completed this purchase of Systems Geotechnique, which represents an excellent strategic fit with our existing UK ground engineering business.
“Systems Geotechnique brings considerable strength in terms of its people, equipment, design and construct know-how and customer relationships. In return, the Group offers strong financing, systems and controls within a supportive culture, which will enable this growing business to continue to develop.
“This purchase marks further progress in our strategy of consolidating our global leadership in specialist ground engineering services, through a combination of organic growth and targeted acquisitions.”