Benchmark International

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dublin-based Macro Works by environmental consultancy APEM.

Macro Works is a landscape consultancy firm specialising in the landscape & visual impact assessment (LVIA) of proposed developments, particularly in large scale infrastructure projects such as wind farms, solar farms, road schemes, and water/electrical transmission. The company also produces photomontages, 3D visual simulations, glint & glare reports, and landscape design.

APEM provides independent environmental consultancy and expert advice to a wide range of industries including water, renewables, power & utilities, marine & ports, transport, construction, and development. The company provides digital aerial wildlife surveys, specialist marine, freshwater, terrestrial ecology, and geospatial services to organisations across the world.

APEM has offices in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany, and the USA. Since receiving private equity investment from WestBridge in 2019, APEM has seen its revenue grow from £10m to a forecast c.£60m in the current financial year, employing 540 people across five divisions.

Earlier this week, APEM announced it had secured a +£50m debt package and additional accordion from Tikehau Investment Management UK, with an additional £7.5m working capital facility from Virgin Money to accelerate its ambitious growth strategy.

This is the fourth acquisition APEM has made in the past two years and reinforces its position as a leading player in the global environmental consultancy sector.

Richard Barker, director and landscape architect at Macro Works, said: “We have been aware of APEM for many years and have always held it in high esteem for the type and quality of work it produces. We are delighted to be joining a team of like-minded individuals who share our values and whose culture is aligned with our own.

“It’s very much business as usual for our loyal customers who will now be able to access a wider pool of expertise and services.

“Similarly, our own employees will benefit from the enhanced training and development opportunities that come with being part of a larger group.”

APEM chief executive officer, Dr Adrian Williams, said: “We have first-hand experience of the excellent work produced by the team at Macro Works and are absolutely delighted to welcome them as part of the team. Their areas of expertise perfectly complement our growing range of highly specialised services and I look forward to seeing the fantastic achievements we can deliver together.”

Alex Cregan, senior associate at Benchmark International, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Richard and the team at Macro Works on their sale to APEM. I am looking forward to seeing the contribution that Macro Works will make to APEM in furthering their continued growth. Best of luck to Richard and all at APEM going forward.”

Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com

Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com 

ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL:

Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $10 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook’s Global League Tables.