RSK Australia Managing Director Mark Haydock

RSK Australia has exceeded $400 million in revenue with a workforce of more than 1000 in just four years following its latest acquisition, cementing itself as one of the nation’s fastest-growing leaders in environmental and engineering solutions. Now, its Australian M&A team, created to accelerate its annual revenue to $1.6 billion by 2030, is expanding in New Zealand.

Since its launch in 2021, the local arm of the $4.4 billion RSK Group – a global leader in sustainable solutions in 40 countries – has acquired 11 multidisciplinary companies that are committed to large environmental and infrastructure projects in Australia and New Zealand.[1]

RSK launched in Australia with the acquisition of environmental and occupational-hygiene consultancy EDP Australia. The same year it acquired Western Project Services (now merged with Projence) and infrastructure solutions specialist Pensar; then project management and advisory services consultancy Projence and construction consultancy SJA in 2022. In 2023, it acquired specialist dewatering water management and civil engineering company ADENCO, heritage and archaeological specialist Extent Heritage and occupational laboratory Pickford & Rhyder (now called RSK Labs). In 2023, it launched RSK Global Experts to supply testifying and subject matter experts to multiple sectors and expanded global water engineering company Binnies into Australia. In 2024, RSK Australia acquired sustainability consultancy Edge Impact. This year acoustics consultancy Renzo Tonin & Associates, community engagement consultancy Capire and Civil Geotechnical Consultants joined RSK Australia.

To accelerate its expansion, in 2023 RSK Australia created a dedicated mergers and acquisitions team – and will this year expand the team in New Zealand. Supported by Australian advisors, lawyers and accountants, the local M&A team provides prospects with deal certainty and cultural alignment, a key differentiator in the market. It will ensure the company is on track to increase its local businesses to 50, its turnover to $1.6 billion, and its Australian workforce to 4000 by 2030, creating a full national footprint of multidisciplinary environmental and engineering expertise. The growth strategy is part of RSK Group’s 2030 Global Growth Strategy, which aims to reach a portfolio of 400 businesses and £5 billion in revenue by 2030.

Acquisition-led growth model

RSK Australia Managing Director Mark Haydock credits the company’s growth to strong market drivers and its local strategy. “We are well on our way to becoming one of Australia’s most important multi-disciplinary environmental, engineering, water and energy groups. We are succeeding through acquisitions and a national footprint, strong integration between our businesses, a full suite of engineering and environmental services, and centralised support that lets our businesses focus on client delivery.

“Australia is undergoing a once-in-a-generation transformation, from population growth and the need to build climate resilience into Australian communities, including major infrastructure investment to the urgent shift to renewable energy. Our strategy is to be at the heart of that change, while investing in local people, skills and communities.

Another benefit is drawing on RSK expertise through its global network in specific niche areas. Mark says: “For example, RSK’s UK-based Brown & May Marine has now established an Australian team advising offshore wind developers, bringing specialist knowledge that’s never been seen before in Australia.

“As we work to become the Australian leader in engineering, water, energy and environmental solutions through further expansion, we want to be recognised as a key partner in providing solutions to Australia’s most pressing challenges in these areas.”

Energy and water remain RSK Australia’s priority markets, supported by transport, social infrastructure, mining and the natural environment. The group’s diversified portfolio provides resilience against sector cycles – for example, pairing steady water infrastructure work with growth in renewable energy and resources.

“Balance is key,” says Mark. “Water provides reliable returns while energy captures the growth opportunities of the transition. Together with infrastructure and resources, that diversity underpins sustainable expansion.”

RSK Australia’s acquisition model supports the retention of the brands, leaders and cultures of its companies while facilitating investment and collaboration across its global network. Acquired firms within RSK retain their name and autonomy, while gaining access to cross-referrals across multi-disciplinary projects and shared expertise. Pensar, for example, has grown its workforce from around 200 to 340 in less than three years, while also collaborating with sister companies on major infrastructure projects.

Mark says: “We’ve built a model that allows great businesses to keep their identity while being part of something bigger,” says Mark. “That’s why leaders choose to join us and why we’re confident about where this journey is heading.”

RSK Australia’s strategy focuses on building a resilient, future-ready national business by expanding its environmental, engineering, and infrastructure capabilities across Australia. The plan is driven by strong market forces — including population growth, major public-infrastructure investment, renewable-energy buildout, climate resilience and regulation — and aims to position RSK as a leader in multidisciplinary environment and engineering solutions.

About RSK Australia

Established in 2021 as part of the global expansion of RSK Group, RSK Australia provides bespoke solutions to address the needs of clients in a sustainable way. Our vision is to become a leader in the Australian engineering, water, energy, infrastructure and environmental consulting industries, delivering a complete service across the region and enabling opportunity and progress for the people, businesses and communities we work alongside. We see particular growth in the renewables sector and are poised to provide energy transition solutions for wind, solar and new grid transmission development across the region. Our work in Australia is a crucial part of our 2030 Global Growth Strategy, with the country earmarked for significant expansion over the next few years.

[1] Two acquired companies, Projence and WPS, merged in 2025.

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