Acquisition deal for heritage building experts

A Birmingham-based quantity surveying practice specialising in complex heritage building projects has been acquired by Artelia, the global project management, engineering and consultancy business. 

Austin Newport Group, which is headquartered in Edgbaston, specialises in the recovery of damaged historic buildings. The business is comprised of three core divisions, offering chartered quantity surveying, management contracting and insurance recovery services. It employs 25 staff. 

Austin Newport Group has worked on more than 1,000 heritage building projects over the last 30 years, ranging in value from £250,000 to £20 million. It was recently appointed to work on extensive projects at St. Bart’s Hospital, Blenheim Palace and the Houses of Parliament. 

Gary Newport, founder and managing director, Austin Newport Group, said: “We are very pleased to have concluded a deal with Artelia. To be part of a much larger international business is an exciting opportunity, with a shared culture and ethos that offers enhanced career opportunities to our people.

"Artelia is a recognised global brand that will enhance our credibility and depth, and provide an improved service offering to our clients. A London base will ensure that we are in close proximity to major loss adjusters, insurers and other important clients and provides a stronger platform from which to grow.” 

Mark Day, managing director, Artelia UK, said: “Austin Newport Group is a hugely respected and well-established business within what is a highly complex and specialised field. The company has developed a strong client portfolio, built largely on its reputation for service excellence and the experience, knowledge and capability of its people.

"This acquisition will enable Artelia UK to integrate a full range of professional services in the historic sector, with a Birmingham office giving us access to untapped markets in the Midlands and the North.” 

Originally formed as a chartered quantity surveying practice by John Austin and Gary Newport in 1987, Austin Newport Group has since grown to deliver large-scale restoration, refurbishment and development projects at some of the UK’s most famous buildings, including the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. 

Artelia has been involved in UK and international projects that have re-imagined many of the world’s major cities and regions. The deal broadens Artelia’s existing capability in the UK, where it delivers multidisciplinary services in the areas of project, programme, cost and asset management across both the public and private sectors. 

Artelia is 100% owned by its employees. The company, headquartered in Paris, which recorded a turnover of €632 million in 2018, operates in over 30 countries worldwide. Artelia UK is based at High Holborn House in London and employs 105 staff. 

Pictured: Mark Day (managing director of Artelia UK) and Gary Newport (founder and managing director of Austin Newport Group)