Headland Archaeology sold to RSK

Engineering and technical services group RSK has acquired Headland Archaeology, the UK’s leading privately owned provider of heritage services to the construction sector, in a deal advised by BCMS.

Headland Archaeology is a provider of heritage services to the development and construction sectors. Its 170-strong team – which operates across offices in Edinburgh, Leeds, Bedfordshire and Hereford – has an in-depth understanding of commercial archaeology with practical experience of participating in major construction projects.

The acquisition of Headland Archaeology, which completed in 2019, was RSK’s 20th acquisition in a three-year period, making the business one of the largest, most profitable providers of archaeological services in the UK by turnover.

Deal commentary

RSK founder and chief executive Dr Alan Ryder said: “I am excited to welcome Headland Archaeology into RSK because, like us, their people and clients are at the core of what they are about. The success that the business has already seen is a testament to their leaders and all their employees. I am looking forward to what we can achieve together.”

Headland Archaeology’s current leadership team, including managing director Tim Holden, will join RSK and continue to drive the business forward as part of the group’s environment and planning division under the direction of Sarah Mogford.

“This is a very exciting time for Headland Archaeology”, added Holden. “We have differentiated ourselves in a market saturated by the not-for-profit sector to build a robust, commercial business that puts clients’ needs first. Joining with RSK will further enhance the business, enable us to build on our strengths and provide our staff with new opportunities.”