5963 skeletons later: archaeology firm bought by RSK Group

 

Cheshire-based RSK Group has acquired Headland Archaeology, which will become part of RSK’s environment and planning division. The acquisition was formally agreed on 8 March 2019 and is RSK’s eleventh acquisition of the financial year.

Since opening in 1996, Headland Archaeology has surveyed 6500 hectares and uncovered 5963 skeletons.

The addition of Headland Archeology brings RSK’s staff numbers to 3000.

A statement on the Headland Archaeology website said: “Together, Headland Archaeology and RSK become the largest, most profitable provider of archaeological services in the UK by turnover. We are offering comprehensive archaeology and heritage services to the increasing number of large infrastructure projects across the UK and abroad, even at the largest scale… The privately owned company now has over 100 offices globally and an annual turnover of more than £200 million.”

Headland Archaeology’s current leadership team, including managing director Tim Holden, will join RSK.

“This is a very exciting time for Headland Archaeology”, Tim Holden said. “We have differentiated ourselves in a market saturated by the not-for-profit sector to build a robust, commercial business that put clients’ needs first. Joining with RSK will further enhance the business, enable us to build on our strengths and provide our staff with new opportunities.”