Benchmark International

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dublin-based Smith & Kennedy Architects by RSK Group.

Smith & Kennedy Architects is an award-winning architectural practice specialising in contemporary design for national and international clients. The company was established in 1999 by Joe Kennedy, following his acquisition of a pre-existing firm, E.N. Smith & Partners, which enjoyed a long history in Dublin, having been established in the early 1960s with a specialisation in church and education projects. Following the change in ownership, Joe Kennedy began diversifying the firm’s practice, offering services in the design of offices, schools, houses and hotels.

Following the acquisition, Mr Kennedy will continue to lead the business as it joins RSK's European division under the direction of Nigel Board.

RSK is an integrated environmental, engineering and technical services business, operating in over 35 countries, with more than 6,000 employees and a proforma annual turnover in excess of £500m. It is currently actively investing in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, and has an active client base of over 8,000 organisations spread across these regions.

The acquisition of Smith & Kennedy Architects represents one of four acquisitions this financial year by RSK as it continues its vigorous buy-and-build strategy, and the third acquisition conducted via Benchmark International over the past two years, which included the acquisition of the group of Pellings companies and Ecologia Environmental Solutions.

Joe Kennedy of Smith & Kennedy Architects commented: ““The people in Benchmark, from start to finish, were always supportive and professional throughout the process. Our two-part brief was followed through by them and they successfully identified an ideal partner for S+K in RSK. We can now move on to the next phase of our company’s development with confidence.”

M&A Assistant Director of RSK, Rob Winkler, stated: “Benchmark/Conor Neville and Brian Casey were great to deal with throughout. Their approach was solution focused and they helped keep the momentum going throughout the process.”

Regarding the deal completion, Brian Casey, Associate Director at Benchmark International commented: "From the very beginning I could see that RSK and Smith & Kennedy Architects were a perfect fit, I was delighted that we were able to get an offer that both parties were agreeable to work with. It was an absolute pleasure working with both RSK and Smith & Kennedy Architects and I wish them every success in the future.”

Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Enquiries@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’s global offices provide business owners in the middle market and lower middle market with creative, value-maximising solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. To date, Benchmark International has handled engagements in excess of $6B across various industries worldwide. With decades of global M&A experience, Benchmark International’s deal teams, working from offices across the world, have assisted hundreds of owners with achieving their personal objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses.

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