Further development of the BNE North America business with the acquisition of a leading Texas based consultancy.
RPS announces the acquisition of Klotz Associates Inc. (“KAI”), a Texas based consultancy providing engineering, planning and environmental services, for a maximum consideration of US$24.1million (£15.9 million).
Founded in 1985, KAI has its headquarters in Houston and offices in Austin, San Antonio, Lufkin and Fort Worth. The company, which employs 116 staff, works primarily on projects associated with transport, water and land development, primarily to public sector clients in Texas.
Seventeen of the eighteen vendors of the business, including the founder Wayne Klotz, are remaining with RPS; the other vendor has recently retired.
In the year to 31 December 2014, KAI had revenues of US$26.2 million (£17.2 million), fee income of US$19.4 million (£12.8 million) and profit before tax of US$3.6 million (£2.4 million), after adjustment for non-recurring items. Net assets at 31 December 2014 were US$5.4 million (£3.6 million). Gross assets at 31 December 2014 were US$9.3 million (£6.1 million).
RPS is acquiring the entire share capital of KAI for a maximum total consideration of US$24.1 million (£15.9 million), all payable in cash. Consideration paid to the vendors at completion was US$16.9 million (£11.1 million). Subject to certain operational conditions being met, two further sums of US$4.8 million (£3.2 million) and US$2.4 million (£1.6 million) will be paid to the vendors on the first and second anniversaries of the transaction respectively.
Alan Hearne, Chief Executive of RPS, commented:
“Klotz Associates has an excellent reputation and track record in Texas, as well as a strong management team. Its skills will complement the services RPS currently provides in the water sector. It will also enable us to extend the range of capabilities of our business to include transport and infrastructure consulting. We anticipate Wayne Klotz and his highly experienced team will make an important contribution to our BNE North America business, which remains a priority for investment for the RPS Board.”
