WA consultancy 360 Environmental joins global player SLR
Western Australia-based company 360 Environmental has been picked up by fellow environmental management consultancy SLR.
The UK-headquartered global environmental consultancy SLR has continued a recent run of acquisitions with the purchase of Western Australian management consulting firm 360 Environmental for an undisclosed sum. The deal will see SLR grow its local footprint by 60 professionals, adding to a global headcount of more than 1,800 operating out of 100-plus offices in 13 countries worldwide.
“It was obvious from our very first conversation that not only did we share a similar vision and aspiration to help clients achieve their sustainability and environmental goals, but our values and corporate culture were also perfectly aligned,” said SLR APAC regional manager Paul Gardiner. “These synergies are essential for any successful partnership, and I’m looking forward to seeing our team in WA continue to grow and evolve.”
Established by director and CEO Tamara Smith in 2004, 360 Environmental serves a range of public and private sector clients across the resources, agriculture, infrastructure, development and defence sectors with their environmental management needs, such as the design, development, operation and closure of mining and oil & gas projects. Heavy-hitters Rio Tinto, BHP and Fortescue are among the company’s roll call of clients.
“This is a very exciting day for our 360 team and clients,” said Smith, who noted an existing relationship with SLR spanning more than ten years. “360 has a proud history of growth and achievements in Western Australia. This opportunity allows us to combine our local understanding and knowledge, while also getting access to the broader specialist experience and expertise that an international environmental consultancy can provide.”
SLR, meanwhile, was born in 1994 as SECOR, before rebranding to SLR and expanding to the US at the turn of the century. Since then, it has continued to grow rapidly, including launching its Australian operations in 2010, and has completed an accelerated string of acquisitions since gaining the backing of European private equity firm Charterhouse in 2018. Prior to the pandemic, the firm posted revenues of above US$200 million.
“This is a really exciting time for our team in the Asia Pacific region. While SLR has had an established presence in Western Australia for quite some time, the 360 team will enhance our ability to provide exceptional environmental solutions to clients on the West Coast of Australia,” said SLR’s Chief Executive Neil Penhall – who is joined in the firm’s leadership by chairman Graham Elton, a twenty-year partner with Bain & Company.
