Marine pollution specialist Nature Group has taken a first step in the US market with the acquisition of a Texas-based rival. Nature said it has spent $1.7m on Global Environmental & Marine Services (GEMS), a waste management firm focused on the oil, gas and maritime market offshore Texas. The company said it expected the forthcoming implementation of strict regulations concerning the discharge of waste in the Gulf of Mexico to be a driver for its growth in the region.Nature Chief Executive Andreas Drenthen said: "With the growth of the oil industry and maritime traffic in this area, Nature Group sees the Texan Gulf Coast, both now and in the coming years, as the region to invest in. "With the acquisition of GEMS we have a well-established and experienced team on board that can form the basis for the development of a profitable operation, with genuine growth opportunities."Jersey-registered Nature operates via subsidiaries in Norway, Scotland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Gibraltar and the Middle East, and there is little client crossover.The AIM-listed company believes it can apply its technical knowledge to enable GEMS to invest in processing and disposal facilities, improve margins and significantly increase its potential customer base. OH