CAN sold to RSK Group

RSK Group Ltd, leading provider of engineering and environmental consultancy and technical support services, has acquired CAN UK Holdings Limited (CAN), a specialist UK geotechnical and engineering contractor. BCMS advised the shareholders of CAN on the transaction.

Based in Helsby, Cheshire, and with a turnover of £175m at the time of the transaction in 2018, RSK is one of the largest environmental consultancies in the UK, with 55 UK and 36 international offices.

“When we started to look for a buyer, finding a company that really valued its people was a prerequisite” – Neil Foster, CAN

First established in 1983, and headquartered in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, CAN specialises in difficult-access solutions. Its core areas of operation include geotechnical projects for slope and retaining wall stabilisation, and installing rock-fall protection measures, alongside structural repairs, inspection, testing and maintenance. With an established workforce of 250 and offices in Derbyshire, Kent and Bristol, CAN provides a nationwide service to the UK construction and civil engineering sectors.

Deal commentary

Commenting on the deal, Dr Alan Ryder, chief executive officer, RSK, said: “CAN’s client base of principal contractors, specifically rail sector contractors, will complement other specialisms within RSK. Operationally, CAN has a large fleet of plant and facilities for modification and repair. These capabilities will directly benefit our ground investigation businesses for modifying, servicing and repairing rigs, and NDT Services for its pile test rig fabrication and hydraulic engineering.”

Andy Wingfield, managing director of CAN, said: “In RSK, we believe we have found a like-minded group of people that share the values and ethos within the CAN family. CAN’s acquisition by RSK is a fantastic springboard for growth, which brings together RSK’s strengths in the early investigation and design stages of projects with CAN’s track record in construction delivery across a wide range of sectors.”

Neil Foster, commercial director of CAN, said: “When we started to look for a buyer, finding a company that really valued its people was a prerequisite. We are delighted that in RSK we have found a business where our fantastic staff will have not only security, but also great new opportunities as the company expands. Being part of a larger group with such a diverse range of complementary services will provide the perfect launchpad for the next phase in CAN’s development.”