Historic construction consultancy RLF, which has a strong presence in Scotland, has been acquired by a Washington DC-based business.
MGAC, a cost management consultancy, announced the acquisition of the property and construction consultants for an undisclosed, all-cash purchase.
The deal will bring the combined turnover of the business to £55 million and create a well-positioned global player in the project management and cost management space, with over 270 employees in 10 offices across two continents, and includes RLF’s Scotland office at St Vincent Place in Glasgow.
The acquisition will retain RLF’s existing staff and 136-year heritage. Current RLF managing partner David Thomson has announced his retirement with RLF executive partner, Sean Clemons, unanimously being elected by the existing RLF partners as his successor.
With the acquisition, Mr Clemons will take on the role of managing director in the UK.
All RLF partners will remain in place as directors with Chris Barker, Andy Dedman, and Dorothy Robertson becoming executive directors, overseeing the Midlands, London and the South East, and Scotland, respectively.
Founded in 1885, RLF has 100 staff across four UK offices in Glasgow, London, Birmingham, and Brighton.
RLF’s core services include cost management, project management, construction management, health and safety, and building surveying.
Founded in 1996 and privately owned, MGAC has over 170 employees and is headquartered in Washington, DC with further offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto.
Ms Robertson, RLF executive director, Scotland, said: “The announcement is a real landmark moment for RLF in Scotland. We’ve worked hard to establish ourselves as one of the country’s most trusted and reputable construction consultancies, and the acquisition of RLF by MGAC can help take us to the next level, offering huge benefits from an investment, resource, experience, and infrastructure perspective.
"Construction has an important role to play in a vibrant and diverse Scottish economy, and RLF is privileged to deliver some of the country’s most innovative and pioneering projects.”
Mark Anderson, president and founder of MGAC, said: “We believe, by combining tools and resources, we can add jet fuel in the form of investment and energy to the UK business to provide greater opportunities to our professionals globally, and to better serve our clients.”
Mr Clemons said: “I would like to thank David Thomson for his excellent stewardship over the past 10 years. David strengthened our business in many ways and positioned us to excel in the future. Today is an incredibly exciting day for RLF, and we very much look forward to working together with our new MGAC colleagues in North America as we continue to move forward and prosper. The additional investment, resources, experience, and infrastructure will enhance our offering to clients and broaden our sector expertise.’’
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