SLR expands sustainability offerings with ClearLead Consulting

UK-headquartered SLR has acquired ClearLead Consulting, an energy and sustainability consultancy with offices in the UK and Ireland.

Since its founding a decade ago, ClearLead Consulting has grown into a 15-strong consulting firm specialised in decarbonisation and sustainability services. The Devon-based firm helps commercial, industrial and public sector clients reduce their energy costs, carbon emissions, operate more sustainably and comply with environmental regulation.

“We are delighted to welcome the ClearLead team to SLR, who bring excellent expertise into the business. This deal will extend our capabilities in a number of areas, such as carbon strategies for corporates and strategic environmental assessments for international funders,” said Neil Penhall, CEO of SLR.

The deal comes barely a week after SLR – born in 1994 as SECOR, before rebranding to SLR around the turn of the century – was acquired itself, by US-listed financial investor Ares Capital Management. SLR previously was majority owned by European private equity firm Charterhouse.

Meanwhile, for ClearLead Consulting, the deal sees the UK consulting firm join one of the largest pure-play players in the sustainability consulting segment. SLR has around 2,000 employees worldwide in 20+ countries.

Dave Covell, Director of ClearLead Consulting, commented: “We are very excited to be part of SLR. The fit between our two firms is excellent both in terms of the areas we work in and culturally. The combined capability resulting from our staff being able to work with SLR’s wider team will help us deliver even better, practical solutions for all our clients.”