TRIPLE BUYOUT FOR CITY FIRM; Expansion for group behind the Big Dig

Nov 16, 2006. MOUCHEL PARKMAN, the Liverpool professional services group, announced a three-way acquisition worth pounds 50m today.

The firm has bought water and waste water specialist Ewan Group, traffic management firm Traffic

Support, and has exchanged contracts to buy Hornagold & Hills.

The latter provides project and programme management services in the building and construction

sector as well as consultancy services for management and organisational change.

Mouchel Parkman chief executive Richard Cuthbert said: "We are delighted to announce these three

acquisitions which complement our existing positions in highways, water and management

consulting.

"This is a very exciting day for the group. All three deals represent significant steps forward in our

strategic development."

Ewan, based in Cirencester, employs about 250 staff and cost Mouchel Parkman pounds 11m' TSL

has 60 staff at offices in north London and Warring-ton and has been acquired for pounds 26.3m'

London-based Hornagold & Hills employs more than 170 staff and will cost pounds 11.4m.

Vince Ewan, chairman of Ewan group, said: "The combined skills of a larger group position us to play

a more significant role in helping the water industry deliver its investment programme over the coming years "

TSL chief executive Peter Spanos added: "This is, without doubt, excellent news for our business and

our people. Mouchel Parkman's size and market leading position in highways will enable us to take

our business to the next level in what is a very exciting and rapidly developing area."

David Hills of Hornagold & Hills said: "Our business fits well with Mouchel Parkman's existing

management consultancy activities. Putting the two together will give us the critical mass we need to

be an even bigger force in the marketplace."

All three acquisitions should enhance earnings for the group within the first full year of ownership.

Mouchel Parkman was formed three years ago by the merger of southern-based road management

firm Mouchel with engineering consultants Parkman, based in Liverpool's Cunard Building.

The company formed a groundbreaking partnership with Liverpool council in the shape of 2020

Liverpool, which is responsible for a range of activities throughout the city such as civil engineering

and traffic management, including Liverpool's Big Digscheme.

Similar packages have since been set up with other local authorities, including neighbouring

Knowsley.