UK-headquartered environmental services group RSK has acquired Perth-based ecological consultancy Biota Environmental Sciences and its molecular-services subsidiary Helix for an undisclosed sum, deepening its environmental sciences capability in Australia.
The deal brings Biota's 45-strong team of ecologists and environmental scientists into the RSK fold and adds specialist fauna and flora survey, environmental impact assessment and eDNA analysis services to the group's Australian operations.
Biota was founded in 2000 and has built a client base spanning infrastructure, resources and utilities, with engagements for Main Roads Western Australia, BHP, Rio Tinto, Water Corporation and Horizon Power among its notable contracts.
RSK established its Australian division in 2021 and has since assembled 15 subsidiary businesses across the country.
The Biota acquisition continues an aggressive buy-and-build strategy that saw the group complete 11 acquisitions globally during FY25.
“Biota and Helix together significantly strengthen RSK’s environmental and ecological consulting capability in Australia,” says RSK founder and CEO Alan Ryder.
“Their combined expertise in biodiversity assessment, ecological surveys and environmental approvals complements our existing services and enhances our ability to support clients delivering sustainable development projects.
“It also enables us to take on additional projects to support our clients across Australia while maintaining a strong focus on scientific rigour and high-quality outcomes.”
Biota offers end-to-end ecological services across the project life cycle, including baseline biological surveys, impact assessments, statutory approvals, monitoring program and rehabilitation oversight.
Among the company’s team are experienced zoologists, botanists and environmental scientists.
Biota director and principal ecologist Garth Humphreys says the deal opens new growth opportunities while preserving the consultancy's identity.
"Joining RSK gives us access to a global network of expertise and resources that will allow us to grow and take on bigger, more complex projects," says Humphreys.
"At the same time, we're confident that the culture and values that have made Biota successful will be maintained."
RSK's FY25 annual report showed group revenue of £2.2 billion ($4.2 billion), up 21 per cent on the prior year, with EBITDA of £122.4 million ($236 million), a 3 per cent increase.
Australia has been singled out as a region where the group had strengthened its offering during the period.
RSK divisional and board director Steve Abbott says the acquisition reinforces the group's long-term commitment to the Australian market.
"Biota is a highly respected name in ecological consulting in Western Australia and beyond," says Abbott.
"Bringing them into the RSK family reinforces our long-term commitment to growing our presence and capability in Australia."
The acquisition is RSK's latest in a string of Australian deals since the division's formation five years ago, as the group targets a market underpinned by large-scale resources, energy transition and infrastructure investment.
Among them has been Brisbane-based Civil Geotechnical Consultants, acquired in December last year, to build on RSK’s plans to become a major player in the Australian engineering and environmental consulting industry.
Prior to that RSK bought Capire, Australia's largest standalone community engagement consultancy.
As with the previous deals, RSK has not disclosed the price paid for Biota.
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