Following an initial minority investment in March 2022, European real estate consulting company Drees & Sommer SE is bringing forward its full acquisition of UK property and construction consultant AA Projects, a year ahead of its original plan.
Originally expected to take two years to complete, the working relationship and integration of the two businesses has been so successful that as of 1 April 2023, AA Projects will be a fully owned entity of Drees & Sommer SE, operating as AA Projects – part of Drees & Sommer. The next phase of the integration will see AA Projects and Drees & Sommer UK come together as Drees & Sommer Ltd from early 2024.
The two businesses have realised benefits from the partnership in being able to deliver a broader base of specialisms, and effectively combining delivery models, allowing new projects to be targeted and secured which directly support strategic goals. Clients across the hospitality, high-tech, logistics and infrastructure sectors are reported to have experienced increased capabilities from the joint offering, which, combined with the open and transparent cultural integration, has driven the decision to accelerate the deal.
Specialist teams are now working across operations and culture to ensure the ongoing transition runs smoothly and that all stakeholders are bought into the overarching goal of making Drees & Sommer a key player in the UK market. The business will now focus on a shared vision for energy efficiency, the road to zero carbon and sustainable building.
With 4,500 staff working at over 51 locations spread across Europe, the Middle East, China and the Asia Pacific, Drees & Sommer has expertise in all aspects of project and construction management, real estate consultancy, sustainability, design and engineering, alongside a range of specialist services focused on cradle to cradle, technology and smart buildings. In 2021, the company reported an annual turnover of €575m (c£508m). AA Projects is a highly respected UK property and construction consultancy in six locations across the UK, with over 200 employees.
For more information visit: www.aaprojects.co.uk
