Grontmij sells advice consultancy division to Driver Group in £3m deal
Netherlands-based Grontmij Group, which has its UK headquarters in Leeds, announced yesterday that global construction consultancy Driver Group had acquired its UK dispute resolution and contractual advice consultancy for £3m.
John Chubb, managing director of Grontmij in the UK, said the disposal of Trett is “another move in the restructuring work stream as we focus on our core markets and core capabilities”.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe added: “I believe that the acquisition by Driver of Trett is a good fit and that represents value to both companies.”
The firm added that the sale will “further facilitate Grontmij’s focus on realising profitable organic growth”.
Dave Webster, chief executive of Driver Group, said: “The acquisition enhances Driver Group’s offering by not only bringing to the company an experienced and high-quality team of individuals to complement the company’s existing expertise, but also by giving us greater access to the power, petrochemical, marine and energy markets.”
Mr Webster added: “This acquisition provides a global platform for the full service offering of the group plus opportunities to leverage our project services business across a world market and a broader sector and client base.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAs well as increased presence in the UK, Trett provides Driver with greater presence in the Middle East and allows Driver Group to expand into Europe, through Trett’s office in Holland, the North American market, through Trett’s office in Houston, Texas, and the South East Asian market, through offices in Malaysia and Singapore.
Staff levels in Driver Group will rise by 75 to about 230. In 2011, Trett’s revenues were £14m.
Christian Mayo and Giles Taylor of financial services firm KPMG in Leeds, and Jonathan Jones and Paul Mann, of law firm Squire Sanders, advised Grontmij.
The Yorkshire office of law firm Dickinson Dees advised Driver Group on the deal. The Leeds-based team at Dickinson Dees was led by partner, Philip Ashworth, and associate, Matthew Smith.