SLR Consulting acquires Canadian firm Novus
British origin firm SLR Consulting has boosted its capacity with a fourth deal in the 12 months following a new partnership with private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners. Canadian environmental consultancy Novus will now become part of SLR’s North American outfit, as it gears up for a new stage of its growth projective.
International environmental consultancy SLR Consulting has grown consistently since its launch in 1994. Since its launch in Oxford, the UK-origin firm has opened offices across Europe, North America, Australasia, and Africa. In order to boost its headcount and revenues, the firm completed a succession of acquisitions in the last four years, including a deal for Challenge Energy. By 2016 the firm held over 70 global offices and boasted a headcount of around 1,100, reporting revenues of £112.6 million.
Now, has acquired Novus Environmental, a 25 person specialised environmental firm based in Guelph Ontario and Calgary Alberta, Canada. Joining SLR’s Canadian business, led by Craig Johnston, the Novus team will bring additional capability to SLR’s 18 offices and 280 personnel across North America, specifically enhancing the areas of air quality, noise and vibration, and wind and climate. The team will also add to SLR’s strength and capability in Ontario and Calgary and bring a new office in Guelph to the SLR network.
The move constitutes SLR’s third acquisition in four months, reflecting the change wrought in the company since it secured new investors. A transaction implemented in mid-2018 saw European private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners move to support SLR in its next phase of growth and development.
Commenting on the firm’s latest purchase, Neil Penhall, SLR’s Chief Executive said, “We’re really pleased to welcome the Novus team to SLR. They have some great capabilities which will strengthen our North American business and benefit our clients globally.”
Darron Chin-Quee of Novus Environmental added, “We are delighted to join the SLR team and bring our capabilities and experience into the group. The combined firm provides greater depth of resources, expertise and geographical reach to better service our clients and to develop the potential of our people. This next chapter for Novus is exciting for our new colleagues, our staff and especially clients of the Novus / SLR team.”