New UK and Ireland acquisition strengthens RSK Group rail sector expertise

RSK is adding to its rail sector strength with the acquisition of engineering and rail infrastructure business, the UK and Ireland-based Global Infrastructure Group.

The company has offices in England and Ireland and clients include Network Rail, Transport for London, Balfour Beatty, West Midlands Trains, Alstom, Atkins, BAM, J. Murphy & Sons, Barhale, Siemens, Iarnród Éireann, ESB and Tetra Ireland.  The completion of the Irish element of the acquisition is subject to the necessary regulatory approvals in Ireland.

Recent projects have included:

• Network Rail – design and build (civil and structural works) as principal contractor on the Feltham and Wokingham re-signalling project, delivering four of the six project phases.
• Transport for London – mechanical, electrical, civils, vegetation clearance, survey and inspection works across various projects in and around London.
• Alstom – delivering the required civil and structural civils design and build capabilities to support the Cambridge area re-signalling project.
• Atkins – sub-contractor providing multidisciplinary turnkey design and build solutions in signalling telecommunications, electrical and power and civils on the Feltham and Wokingham re-signalling project, Phases 3, 4 and 5.
• Iarnród Éireann – civil and structural engineering, building, mechanical and electrical projects, train support services, telecommunications tower build and site and tower maintenance.
• ESB – working across the group, including civils works and telecommunications microwave link provision for ESB Networks and tower build and site and tower maintenance (rigging and civils) for ESB Telecoms.
• Tetra Ireland – construction and upgrades with National Digital Radio Service (NDRS) deployment.

The company has a workforce of more than 350 engineers, professional managers and multi-skilled operatives and an annual turnover of £50 million.

Managing Directors Marco Lombardelli and Stephen O’Brien, who will continue to lead the business, and fellow co-owner, Ivan Holloway said: “We are absolutely delighted to become a strategic partner of the RSK Group. This acquisition enables our businesses in both the UK and Ireland to continue to grow its current capabilities, while affording us the opportunity to provide a number of key services as part of the wider RSK Group. The strength in depth, this opportunity brings to this acquisition is incredible and we are delighted to be joining and working with the RSK Group.”

RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “The addition of the Global Infrastructure Group enhances RSK’s presence in this sector and we welcome their impressive skills and experience to the group. Global Infrastructure Group encompasses design, construction and installation services across a wide range of critical rail and transport infrastructure with the latter including utilities, energy and roads within its impressive skillset.

“I am certain all our companies look forward to working with our new colleagues on projects which truly demonstrates the wide range of skills that RSK businesses can bring to client projects in this sector.”

Global Infrastructure Group’s UK arm is a principal contractor for UK transport, mainline and metro railway and the transportation sector across a number of disciplines, offering either specific services or a fully managed turnkey solution. It specialises in the design, installation, commissioning and testing of railway critical infrastructure including: railway construction, civil engineering, design and consultancy, multi-utilities, general construction, signalling and telecommunications and power networks.

The group’s Ireland business is a leading provider of construction and commissioning services for clients across a wide range of engineering and infrastructure sectors, including: civil engineering, building, mechanical and electrical, permanent way track, 24/7 rail support, utilities, energy and roads.  It also offers infrastructure contracting services on a in the transport, telecommunications, utility and energy sectors, providing cost-effective solutions to complex problems. Its work includes telecommunications, utilities and energy.

As RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy, it now comprises more than 200 companies, employing 12,000 people. The group’s annual turnover at the end of FY23 is expected to be in excess of £1.2 billion (accounts to be filed in due course).

The acquisition advisers were Cortus Deal Advisory and UHY Hacker Young.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

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