Atkins acquires additional expertise in the oil and gas sector

6th June 2011

WS Atkins plc (“Atkins” or “the Group”) has acquired Pöyry’s 130 people-strong oil and gas business debt free for a cash consideration of EUR17.25 million. This acquisition considerably strengthens Atkins position in the buoyant oil and gas support services sector by bringing on board a world class front end design capability. It continues Atkins’ strategy of growing skills in its Energy business.

The acquisition of Pöyry’s strong development engineering design and operational support capability expands Atkins’ service offering in the oil and gas sector, enabling it to provide a complete multi-discipline design service for all types of offshore developments.

The integration of the Pöyry teams in Aberdeen, Stavanger (Norway) and Perth (Australia) with Atkins’ existing operations in the UK, Europe, Middle East and North America will provide a platform from which to grow in the world’s major oil and gas centres. In particular, the acquisition provides increased access to the significant gas developments and Liquefied Natural Gas market in Western Australia and Europe.

Keith Clarke, chief executive, said: “This acquisition represents a step up in Atkins’ ability to deliver process-led multi-disciplinary projects, adding to our traditional oil and gas consultancy and assurance services, on a worldwide scale.”

This acquisition follows the purchase of the Technical Services Scotland group from RWE npower in March which added strength to Atkins’ capability in power generation.

For more Atkins news click here.