WSP to acquire Ricardo, a global strategic and engineering consultancy firm

Core Viewpoint - WSP Global Inc. has announced the acquisition of Ricardo plc for 430 pence per share, reflecting a strategic move to enhance its presence in high-growth sectors globally [1][3][4] Company Overview - WSP Global Inc. is a leading professional services firm operating in over 50 countries with approximately 73,000 employees, focusing on engineering, advisory, and science-based solutions [19] - Ricardo plc is a global consulting firm with around 2,700 experts across more than 20 countries, specializing in strategic, advisory, and engineering solutions in transport, energy, and environmental sectors [2][20] Acquisition Details - The acquisition represents an enterprise value of approximately £363.1 million (around $670 million), equating to a multiple of 10.4x Ricardo's pre-IFRS 16 underlying EBITDA for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2024 [4] - WSP will acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Ricardo, excluding a 19.9% interest which will be acquired from Science Group plc [6][9] Strategic Alignment - The acquisition aligns with WSP's 2025-2027 Global Strategic Action Plan, focusing on expanding in advisory, energy transition, water solutions, and the rail sector [3][4] - Ricardo's expertise in rail, air quality, water management, and energy resilience complements WSP's existing offerings and strengthens its market presence in key regions such as the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands [3][4] Financing and Support - WSP has secured a fully committed £230 million term loan facility (approximately $425 million) to finance the acquisition, supplemented by cash on hand and existing credit facilities [11] - Royal Bank of Canada is acting as the lead arranger for the new credit facility, ensuring compliance with the UK City Code on Takeovers and Mergers [12] Future Plans - Under WSP's ownership, Ricardo will continue its strategic review of its Automotive and Industrial (A&I) and Performance Products (PP) business units, with potential plans for divestment at an appropriate time [2][4]