We are delighted to announce that we have advised York-based Arcus Consultancy Services on its recent acquisition by ERM, one of the world’s largest sustainability consultancies.

Having grown to almost 100 employees, Arcus provides environmental, planning and engineering support to some of the most significant renewable energy schemes in Europe and Africa. Closer to home, the Arcus team is supporting high profile projects including Dogger Bank, the world’s largest offshore windfarm, and Cleve Hill, the UK’s largest solar farm in Kent.

Greg Shillabeer, founder and Director of Arcus, said: “We have created a fantastic business in Arcus over the past 14 years and are keen to further develop and diversify geographically, in different market sectors and with new clients.

“By joining a market leader like ERM, with such a strong global platform and market presence, these aspirations will be immediately possible, whilst ensuring our clients continue to have access to the very best technical expertise.

“We also aspire to help organisations who are yet to fully realise the potential that renewables can bring to their businesses and have ambitious plans to achieve this through our union with ERM, ultimately contributing towards the global transition to a lower carbon economy.”

ERM CEO, Keryn James, added: “Renewables are a vital part of the decarbonisation of the EU energy system and Europe is the largest global market for renewable projects, with renewable energy also on the rise in Africa.

“Our continuing and significant investment in this area includes identifying and working with the best people to do this. Arcus is known and respected for the bespoke, high-quality work that it currently undertakes for its clients in the UK and Africa.”

Arcus’s legal advice was provided by a multi-disciplinary legal team at Andrew Jackson, led by corporate partner Martin Frost, and involved a number of complex elements, including a significant cross-border aspect.

Martin Frost said: “We are delighted to have assisted Arcus on this significant transaction. By working closely with our clients and their other advisers in both the UK and South Africa, we were able to drive the deal through to completion within the tight timescales required.

“I wish Greg and the Arcus team every success as they take the business forward together with ERM into its next exciting chapter,” he added.