Environmental and engineering services company RSK Group has added another business to its growing portfolio.

The company has acquired UK geotechnical and engineering contractor CAN.

CAN undertakes large-scale specialist access projects, with the majority of its business consisting of geotechnical projects for slope and retaining wall stabilisation, and installing rock fall protection measures. Further ventures include structural repairs, construction, inspection, testing and maintenance, often including bespoke access solutions.

Two of its major recent projects include the installation of the roof at the new Tottenham Hotspur football stadium in North London and a highways project at the Heads of the Valleys in Wales. 

CAN operates from three offices, Chesterfield, which oversees most of its operations, Northfleet and Portishead, and employs 250 staff. The company was owned by Neil Foster and Andy Wingfield, who will both continue to lead the business as it joins the geosciences and engineering division of RSK.


RSK has brought 10 new businesses under its umbrella in the 2017/18 financial year, including Acies, KMGP, Cole Jarman, CJ Associates, Ian Farmer Associates, Up and Under Group, RSKW, Central Alliance, Non Destructive Testing Services and Copeland Wedge Associates. 

The CAN announcement marks the latest in the series of acquisitions.

"I am delighted to announce this acquisition, which will further enhance the RSK stable," said Dr Alan Ryder, chief executive officer, RSK. "CAN's client base of principal contractors, specifically rail sector contractors, will complement other specialisms within RSK.

"Operationally, CAN has a large fleet of plant and facilities for modification and repair. These capabilities will directly benefit our ground investigation businesses for modifying, servicing and repairing rigs, and NDT Services for its pile test rig fabrication and hydraulic engineering."

Andy Wingfield, managing director of CAN, added: "In RSK, we believe we have found a like-minded group of people that share the values and ethos within the CAN family. CAN's acquisition by RSK is a fantastic springboard for growth that brings together RSK's strengths in the early investigation and design stages of projects with CAN's track record in construction delivery across a wide range of sectors."

"When we started to look for a buyer, finding a company that really valued its people was a prerequisite," said Neil Foster, commercial director of CAN. "We are delighted that in RSK we have found a business where our fantastic staff will have not only security but also great new opportunities as the company expands. Being part of a larger group with such a diverse range of complementary services will provide the perfect launchpad for the next phase in CAN's development. We look forward to taking full advantage of that opportunity."

(CM)