The acquisition will create significant growth opportunities for the combined business through mutually beneficial platforms into new regions, new sectors, expanded product offerings and bigger projects.
Formed in 1989, Rob Carr’s annual turnover exceeds $A50 million. The company specialises in trenchless and conventional pipeline construction, microtunnelling, deep shaft and service installations. These complementary civil construction capabilities in the water and power industries create an opportunity to offer an expanded project portfolio to the combined business.
Rob Carr currently operates in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. The company has operated in Western Australia since 1996 and will increase Seymour Whyte’s exposure to this important growth market.
Seymour Whyte Managing Director David McAdam said the acquisition aligns with Seymour Whyte’s strategic vision to expand geographic footprint, diversify into the utilities sector and enhance technical capability.
“Seymour Whyte reviewed more than 50 potential acquisition targets before proceeding with Rob Carr. This is an exciting business that provides a range of new growth opportunities and offers a strong alignment of operating cultures and professional competencies,” he said.
“Seymour Whyte’s first acquisition will take us to where we want to be in the water and power utilities market. It will increase quality of earnings, and increase technical expertise in the growing microtunnelling market.
The Rob Carr brand will maintain its own corporate identity and operate as a subsidiary of Seymour Whyte Limited.
Completion of the acquisition is anticipated to occur before mid-March 2014 as the parties work toward agreeing and signing definitive legal documentation.