August 21, 2020

Corporate team acts for WRc plc on the sale of Water Research Centre Ltd

RSK is an integrated environmental, engineering and technical services business, while WRc is an independent centre of excellence for innovation and growth.

WRc subsidiary Cognica – a provider of information management services to the construction and estate markets – has also been acquired in the deal.

Swindon-based WRc boasts more than 90 years of delivering leading, technical research and innovation services to the global water, waste management and energy sectors.

The company is currently designing the technical engineering work architecture for the water company that will service the NEOM futuristic desert city project in Saudi Arabia. It has also recently developed a water quality sampling and monitoring programme for Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority in the UAE; and is providing water sector specialist expertise for the Department for International Trade in the UK.

Our Corporate Partner Katharine Mortimer said:

“We are very pleased to have continued our work with our long-standing client WRc plc, acting for them on the sale of WRc to RSK.

“WRc is a sector-leading business with a proven track record in innovation through collaboration. We’re proud to have supported them through a key time in their history and wish all at WRc every success as they look to extend their global footprint.”

Katharine was assisted by Corporate Solicitor Janetta Barrett as well as Corporate Partner James Worrall, Partner Malcolm Gregory and Senior Associate Tim Gofton from our Employment team and Partner Greg Callard from our Real Estate team.

Other advisors were RSM and PwC for WRc plc.

RSK Chief Executive Officer and Founder Alan Ryder said:

“This is a unique acquisition for RSK that brings together an exceptional brand that is renowned for independent thinking and delivery to create an ability to address global issues including climate change, green growth and water and sanitation services through applied engineering excellence.

WRc Chief Executive Officer Mark Smith said:

“Both WRc and RSK offer world-class engineering and technical services to solve clients’ problems. Both companies employ top-class and passionate people who care about the environment.

“RSK’s environmental, scientific and engineering capabilities and global presence combined with WRc’s leading, independent thinking will enable both companies to deliver ever improving and more sustainable solutions to our clients while promoting the circular economy in everything we do.”

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