Firm looks for Irish purchase

THE engineering firm that is rebuilding London’s Victoria train station, Scott Wilson, will look to Ireland for its first acquisition following a share sale this month that raised £71.6 million (€103m).

Executive chairman Geoff French said: “We are seeking acquisitions which will compliment our market sectors so we are looking in Ireland.

“The whole point of floating is to grow at a faster rate.”

He pointed out that the Government was to spend €33 billion over the next 10 years on road and rail projects.

Customers increasingly want consultancy companies to offer a broader range of services in more locations, the company said.

Banks and pension funds own 64% of the company following the sale, which was also designed to cut a pension deficit.

Britain accounts for two-thirds of revenue, with employees in 24 offices giving advice on design and planning for road, rail and construction projects in the energy, education, health, defense and homebuilding sectors. Scott Wilson’s biggest client is British train track owner Network Rail.

Worldwide, the company has 74 offices and 3,800 employees, in countries including Ireland, Thailand, India, China and Poland.

Projects have included managing construction of an education centre at the Eden Project in south-west England, Bangkok Airport and the upgrade of Britain’s west coast main line route from London to Scotland.

Scott Wilson is the ninth largest British engineering consultant by fees earned, and ranks fourth in size to go public, the company said in a statement, citing a survey by London-based New Civil Engineer magazine.