Artelia acquires heritage building experts, Austin Newport

Posted by Barques on 16th March 2020 -

Global project management, engineering and consultancy business, Artelia, has expanded into Birmingham. 

Artelia has bought quantity surveying practice Austin Newport Group, which specialises in the recovery of damaged historic buildings. 

Austin Newport has worked on more than 1,000 complex heritage building projects in the last 30 years, ranging in value from £250,000 to £20 million. It was recently appointed to work on extensive projects at St. Bart’s Hospital, Blenheim Palace and the Houses of Parliament. 

The transaction brings more technically skilled people into Artelia and broadens its existing capability in the areas of project, programme, cost and asset management. 

Mark Day, Managing Director, Artelia UK, said: “Austin Newport Group is a hugely respected and well-established business within what is a highly complex and specialised field. The company has developed a strong client portfolio, built largely on its reputation for service excellence and the experience, knowledge and capability of its people. This acquisition will enable Artelia UK to integrate a full range of professional services in the historic sector, with a Birmingham office giving us access to untapped markets in the Midlands and the North.” 

Gary Newport, founder and Managing Director, Austin Newport Group, said: “We are very pleased to have concluded a deal with Artelia Group. To be part of a much larger international business is an exciting opportunity, with a shared culture and ethos that offers enhanced career opportunities to our people. Artelia is a recognised global brand that will enhance our credibility and depth, and provide an improved service offering to our clients. A London base will ensure that we are in close proximity to major loss adjusters, insurers and other important clients and provides a stronger platform from which to grow.” 

Artelia has been involved in UK and international projects that have re-imagined many of the world’s major cities and regions. The company, headquartered in Paris, is 100% owned by its employees and operates in over 30 countries worldwide. It recorded a turnover of €632 million in 2018. Artelia UK is based at High Holborn House in London and employs 105 staff. 

Originally formed as a chartered quantity surveying practice by John Austin and Gary Newport in 1986, Austin Newport Group has since grown to deliver large-scale restoration, refurbishment and development projects at some of the UK’s most famous buildings, including, the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace.

The Birmingham-based firm is comprised of three core divisions, offering chartered quantity surveying, management contracting and insurance recovery services and employs 25 staff.