MGAC, a North America-based owner’s representation and project and cost management consultancy, has announced the acquisition of U.K. property and construction consultants, RLF, for an undisclosed, all-cash purchase. The deal will bring the combined sales of the business to $75 million and create a global player in the project management and cost management space, with 270 employees in 10 offices across two continents.
“Our expanded business will create a formidable organization across two continents helping bring the most ambitious project visions to reality,” said Mark Anderson, president and founder of MGAC. “We believe, by combining tools and resources, we can add jet fuel in the form of investment and energy to the U.K. business to provide greater opportunities to our professionals globally, and to better serve our clients. We are very excited to welcome RLF to MGAC.”
Founded in 1885, RLF has 100 employees across four U.K. offices in London, Brighton, Birmingham and Glasgow. RLF’s core services include cost management, project management, construction management, health and safety, and building surveying. Key clients include University of Birmingham, Bruntwood SciTech, BAM Properties, Solum, The Institute of Cancer Research and Hyde Housing.
The acquisition will retain RLF’s existing staff and 136-year heritage. Current RLF Managing Partner David Thomson announced his retirement, with RLF Executive Partner Sean Clemons unanimously elected by the existing RLF partners as his successor. With the acquisition, Clemons will take on the role of Managing Director in the U.K., as the business enters a new and exciting chapter of growth.
“We very much look forward to working together with our new MGAC colleagues in North America as we continue to move forward and prosper,” said Clemons, managing director of RLF. “The additional investment, resources, experience, and infrastructure will enhance our offering to clients and broaden our sector expertise.”
Among the key benefits to RLF from the acquisition is the opportunity to expand and enhance sector expertise including the key areas of corporate, hospitality and data center work, where MGAC has deep relationships and a leading market presence, the companies said. Upon closing the transaction, Clemons and the existing RLF leadership team will continue to run the company on a day-to-day basis, and all its services will be delivered under the RLF brand for the foreseeable future.
Some of MGAC’s recent projects include the T-Mobile Headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, the NFL Headquarters in Inglewood, California, and campus buildings at Johns Hopkins University in both Baltimore, Marylad and Washington, D.C.