RPS Group plc has acquired WTW & Associates, a Hampshire-based provider of personnel and technical services for oil and gas exploration projects, for £1.9 million.

RPS Group plc has acquired WTW & Associates, a Hampshire-based provider of personnel and technical services for oil and gas exploration projects, for £1.9 million.

The news comes just five days following RPS’ purchase of UK engineering consultancy RWG for up to £10.1 million.

RPS is acquiring the entire share capital from WTW’s six individual owners. Of the total consideration, £1.35 million was paid on completion. A further £0.5 million will be paid over the next two years provided certain operational conditions are met.

WTW has provided geological and engineering consultancy services to major oil and gas companies worldwide since 2002. As such, the business is complementary to that currently operated by RPS’s existing energy business, particularly in respect of its work for National Oil Companies and in the Middle East. It will be integrated with RPS Energy. In the year ended 30 June 2007 WTW had revenues of £3.6 million and adjusted profit before tax of £0.3 million and net assets valued at £0.5 million.

Commenting on the acquisition, RPS chief executive officer Alan Hearne, says: “Despite its relatively small size WTW has an excellent reputation. Access to RPS’ additional resources and expertise will enable it to enhance the service it offers its clients and grow into the next stage of its development.”

RPS is an international consultancy providing advice on the development of natural resources, land and property, the management of the natural and built environments and the health and safety of people. The company trades in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, North America, South East Asia and Australia and undertakes projects in many other parts of the world.