RPS acquires HMA Land Services

Energy resources and environmental consultancy RPS Group is buying HMA Land Services, a Canadian consultancy which provides services for linear infrastructure projects. RPS is paying C$18.7m, including the repayment of C$6.4m of debt, for the firm.HMA provides consultancy and project management services to clients engaged in the energy, pipeline and utilities sectors. The company focuses on linear infrastructure projects including oil and gas pipelines, power transmission lines and telecommunication lines. RPS said the acquisition of HMA will give it entry into a growing marketplace and will form a platform for adding environmental and other services to existing and prospective HMA clients. In the year to the end of June, HMA had revenues of C$14.8m and profit before tax of C$3.3m after adjustment for non-recurring items. Alan Hearne, Chief Executive of RPS, said: "The acquisition of HMA marks a further step in the development of our North American business. The pipeline development market is buoyant, with long term projects that require the types of skills and experience which RPS delivers to its clients around the world."RD