Leading UK consulting engineering firm, RSP Consulting Engineers LLP, has announced its acquisition by Drees & Sommer UK Ltd.
This strategic move follows Drees & Sommer UK’s recent acquisition of Johnston Houston, a leading building and construction consultancy in Northern Ireland, in September 2024.
Established in 1987, RSP Consulting Engineers has grown into one of the UK’s foremost design engineering consultancies, recognised for its expertise in Financial Institutions, Hospitality, Data Centres, and Life Sciences. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering economical and environmentally sustainable design solutions.
RSP’s specialisms, which include building services design, energy optimisation, and infrastructure, will now enhance Drees & Sommer’s ability to offer a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach in the UK market.
Drees & Sommer is a globally recognised, partner-managed consultancy with a workforce of over 6,000 employees across 63 offices worldwide. With expertise spanning real estate, industrial, energy, and infrastructure sectors, the firm is a market leader in strategic consultancy within the built environment.
The acquisition of RSP Consulting Engineers adds over 60 new employees to the Drees & Sommer UK team, expanding its workforce to more than 300 employees across 12 offices in the UK. This move underscores Drees & Sommer’s commitment to expanding its market presence and service capabilities across the UK and Ireland.
RSP will continue to operate under the name “RSP Consulting Engineers – Part of Drees & Sommer” under its existing management team before formally rebranding as Drees & Sommer at a later date.
Leadership Perspectives on the Merger
Kenneth Wood, Managing Director of Drees & Sommer UK and Partner, described the acquisition as a transformative step for the company:
“The acquisition of RSP is a transformative step for Drees & Sommer in the UK. This merger not only strengthens our market position but also significantly enhances our service offerings. RSP’s unparalleled expertise in design engineering and strength in complementary sectors such as Data Centres and Life Sciences, combined with our extensive experience in sustainability and real estate, creates a unique synergy that will drive innovation and excellence.
We are excited to welcome RSP to the Drees & Sommer family and look forward to achieving new heights together. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional value and sustainable solutions to our clients.”
Steffen Szeidl, CEO of Drees & Sommer, highlighted the strategic importance of the merger:
“Joining forces with RSP represents a significant leap forward in our ability to serve the UK market. RSP’s distinguished track record in engineering excellence perfectly aligns with our vision of sustainable and forward-thinking solutions.
This merger not only broadens our service capabilities but also enhances our geographical reach, particularly in Scotland. We are confident that this partnership will drive substantial growth and innovation, benefiting our clients and the industry.”
Graeme Fraser, Partner at RSP, shared his excitement about the future under Drees & Sommer UK:
“This merger is a monumental opportunity for RSP and our team. By joining the Drees & Sommer UK team, we are poised to leverage their extensive resources and global expertise to elevate our service offerings.
Our employees, who are the backbone of our success, will have access to unparalleled career development opportunities and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects. We are excited about the future and the transformative potential this partnership brings, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients.”
The acquisition marks a significant step forward for both companies, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable engineering and innovative design solutions in the UK and beyond.
