APEM Group expands global reach with Biosis deal
International consultancy APEM Group has announced the acquisition of Biosis. The move for one of Australia’s leading ecology and heritage consultancies takes APEM’s global headcount to more than 900 staff, and lays the foundations for further growth across the Asia-Pacific region.
APEM Group continues to grow its operations, since an injection of funds from WestBridge in 2021. Now, the Cheshire-headquartered consultancy has further bolstered its offering with the purchase of Biosis. The acquisition provides the environmental consultancy with 150 colleagues and nine offices, expanding its global footprint.
Biosis is a team of qualified and professional consultants, experienced in and passionate about ecology and cultural heritage. Since its launch in 1983, it has offered clients an integrated approach to assessments, using knowledge of natural systems and cultural landscapes to help meet legislative requirements.
The move is a particular boost to APEM’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific market. Amid the firm’s accelerated growth over the past three years, APEM has completed seven acquisitions, including Aspect Ecology, NASH Maritime and macroworks. But Biosis is the first in the region – with the acquired firm being headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.
Leah McGimpsey, APEM’s Group CEO, commented, “As one of Australia’s leading ecology and heritage consultants, Biosis’ commitment to science, data and exceptional client service aligns with our Group ethos. Bringing Biosis into the Group is an important step in delivering our people strategy to build great teams where colleagues can work together across the Group to collaborate on new and exciting opportunities, learn from each other and develop and expand their careers.”
He added that Biosis’ arrival would transform the company’s ability to serve clients locally in Australia. The 150 new colleagues bring national ecology, botany, zoology and heritage capabilities into the APEM Group that will give it significant in-country presence and accelerate its growth strategy further in the wider region – while also taking APEM’s global revenues to over £90 million, and its headcount to over 900 employees.
Speaking on the road ahead, WestBridge Partner Peter Barkley added, “APEM Group continues to go from strength to strength both domestically and internationally. Australia is a key territory for growth and this latest acquisition opens up a raft of opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region. This is a significant transaction that transforms APEM Group into a truly global environmental consultancy. This sets up the Group for further significant growth in Australia and accelerates delivery of its international growth plan. If potential acquisitions targeted for later this year are taken into account, the group could well become a £30 million EBITDA business by the end of 2024.”
