GRANT Thornton in Birmingham is advising global construction consultancy Davis Langdon after it emerged the business was the target of a £203m ($324m) takeover by a US corporation.
AECOM Technology Corporation, a leading provider of professional technical and management support services, is targeting Davis Langdon to expand its presence in the global market.
Davis Langdon, which operates from over 75 offices worldwide including a major office in Birmingham, has public and private sector clients all over the world, with a strong presence in Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and United States. Worldwide, the firm employs 2,800 people and has worked on notable projects including the Tate Modern and Eden Project in the UK; Abu Dhabi International Airport; The Transbay Terminal in San Francisco; the Clem Jones Tunnel in Brisbane and the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. In 2009 it generated a gross turnover of £269m ($430m).
Grant Thornton has provided audit and tax advisory services to Davis Langdon for four years and is now working closely with the firm, providing transaction support services and tax consultancy throughout the deal.
David White, partner at Grant Thornton in Birmingham, said: “The scale and scope of projects undertaken by Davis Langdon necessitates market-leading global partnerships and this latest phase in the firm’s development will enable it to build on its impressive track record. This is an exciting milestone for the firm, opening up the opportunity to develop a truly integrated global cost and project management business.”
Rob Smith, senior partner at Davis Langdon, added: “We believe the acquisition by AECOM will enable Davis Langdon to enrich the services we provide to our clients, giving us access to a deeper and broader pool of knowledge and expertise than would otherwise be possible. Our ability to influence, enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural and social environments will be greatly increased as a result.
“Grant Thornton has very much been a valued part of our team during this journey and we thank them for their support.”
The acquisition is expected to complete in October.
