Landform Surveys acquired by Lucian services

Gateshead-headquartered environmental services company Lucion Services has acquired a topographical surveying business in its second acquisition of 2022.

Landform Surveys, also based in Gateshead, brings a skilled team and a range of complementary services to the group.

Founded in 1994, the company works across a variety of sectors in the built environment including topographic surveys, quarry and landfill site surveys.

Led by founder and managing director Eric Hinds, the company will be integrated into Lucion Services’ testing and inspection unit.

Hinds, who will remain with the business as topographical services director, said: “We are proud of the status that Landform Surveys has attained over the 28 years and our excellent relationships with our clients, not in small part due to the enthusiasm, commitment, professionalism and expertise that our staff possess.

“When I was first approached by Lucion for the acquisition, it was clear that our service offering and client base would be at home within the group. We are excited to be joining a strong, well established technical business, based so close to home.”

Hinds and and his management team will continue to run the company, with support from the Lucion Services senior leadership team and Adam Mead, managing director of testing and inspection at Lucion Services.

Mead said: “We are delighted to bring the Landform Surveys team into the group. They are experts in their field and offer dynamic delivery to their clients and we can’t wait to start working with them.

“As a close neighbour of ours in the North East, Landform is well-regarded in the market place for its excellent track record of investment in the latest technology, including robotic total stations and 3D laser scanners, and of course a strong commitment to client service, values which perfectly mirror our own.”

Alongside the acquisition, which follows the purchase of Aberdeen Radiation Protection Services, Lucion Group is investing about £600,000 in expanding its testing laboratory in Gateshead, an investment which will create up to 15 new jobs this year.

The group, which has clients across the UK and a network of 25 regional offices, will now employ about 100 people in Gateshead at the Team Valley Trading Estate.

Reflecting its strong recent growth following the investment of Palatine Private Equity in 2019, Lucion has ramped-up the size and capabilities of its testing services at its laboratory.

Phil Rozier, chief executive of Lucion Group, said: “As a business we are passionately committed to protecting people and the planet and this latest acquisition alongside a significant investment in our laboratory service will help us better deliver on this mission.”

He added: “We’ve had a really busy start to 2022 as we continue to scale the business in line with our strategic growth plan and look forward to making further progress this year with strong organic growth delivered alongside further strategic acquisitions.”

Mincoffs Solicitors in Newcastle acted on behalf of Landform Surveys, advised by partner Luke Philpott and solicitor Max Gilchrist from the corporate team.

RMT Accountants also advised Landform Surveys, with help from Michael Cantwell, Head of Corporate Finance and Ayden De Beer, Corporate Finance Executive.

Ross Golightly provided business transformation advice to Landform Surveys.