Gordons advises global sustainability consultancy ERM on acquisition of renewables specialist

Gordons has advised longstanding client, global environmental consultancy ERM, on its latest acquisition.

ERM has acquired Arcus Consultancy Services Ltd (Arcus) – a leading renewable energy consultancy focused on environmental, planning and engineering support.

The acquisition of Arcus, and the combined expertise of both firms, further strengthens ERM’s position as a sustainability leader at the forefront of supporting their clients to address the Low Carbon Economy Transition (LCET).

Gordons corporate partner, Jonathan Asquez; corporate solicitor Lisa Murphy; and apprentice legal executive, Lauren Wurzal, worked together on the deal. This is the third acquisition that Gordons has advised ERM on in the past five years.

Commenting on the deal, Jonathan said: “We are very pleased to have advised on such a strategically important deal for ERM which will enable the consultancy’s continued expansion into new markets.

“We had to work with pace and precision to ensure the transaction’s momentum was maintained throughout as it involved many different elements across international territories, so we are very pleased with the outcome we secured.”

Founded in 2006 by Greg Shillabeer, Arcus is a multidisciplinary consultancy specialising in high profile renewable energy projects. It supports clients throughout the entire project lifecycle; from initial site search through to completion, and projects include some of the most significant renewable energy schemes in Europe and Africa.

These include many first-of-a-kind windfarms, solar plants, battery storage facilities, hydrogen schemes and gas to grid systems. Arcus’ key services, which include; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Planning and Engineering; will add further depth to the global ERM service portfolio.

Billions of dollars are being invested into the actions required to transition to a lower carbon economy, achieve net zero targets and meet private sector commitments on the environment, with renewables playing a major role in enabling desired energy transition outcomes. Stakeholders are looking to ERM to help them navigate the complexities of transitioning to a low carbon future, and Arcus is routinely sought out by clients to leverage their renewables insights and experience.

ERM will be able provide unique and comprehensive life-cycle solutions to all its clients who are looking to transition to renewable energy to meet global decarbonisation targets – from strategic advice through to practical on-the-ground implementation. ERM is developing innovative technologies, such as green hydrogen from floating offshore wind, and the acquisition of Arcus will strengthen ERM’s leadership position in the sector.

ERM CEO Keryn James stated: “The implications of climate change and the low carbon economy transition are significant. ERM has a strong history of supporting clients on these issues, and we are doubling-down on our focus and commitment to addressing the low carbon transition.

“Renewables are a vital part of the decarbonisation of the EU energy system and Europe is the largest global market for renewable projects, with renewable energy also on the rise in Africa. Our continuing and significant investment in this area includes identifying and working with the best people to do this.

“Arcus is known and respected for the bespoke, high-quality work that it currently undertakes for its clients in the UK and Africa. The acquisition of Arcus by ERM will help us meet the increased investment and demand across the region, by continuing to bolster our capabilities in this area alongside other acquisitions which have strengthened our LCET capabilities, including M.J. Bradley & Associates and Critical Resource.

“Combined with ERM’s global implementation capability and access to our 5000+ subject matter experts, Arcus will enable us to provide an even greater level of service to our clients as they determine how they can address their low carbon and net zero challenges.”

Greg Shillabeer, founder and CEO of Arcus, said: “We have created a fantastic business in Arcus over the past 14 years and are keen to further develop and diversify geographically, in different market sectors and with new clients.

“By joining a market leader like ERM, with such a strong global platform and market presence, these aspirations will be immediately possible, whilst ensuring our clients continue to have access to the very best technical expertise.

“We also aspire to help organisations who are yet to fully realize the potential renewables can bring to their businesses, and have ambitious plans to achieve this through our union with ERM, ultimately contributing toward the global transition to a lower carbon economy.”

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