RSK buys Perth's Biota to widen Australian environmental push
What's the deal? UK-headquartered environmental services group RSK has acquired Perth-based ecological consultancy Biota Environmental Sciences and its molecular-services subsidiary Helix for an undisclosed sum. The deal brings Biota's 45-strong team of ecologists and environmental scientists into RSK, adding fauna and flora survey, environmental impact assessment, and eDNA analysis to its Australian operations.
What does Biota do? Founded in 2000, Biota offers end-to-end ecological services across the project life cycle, from baseline biological surveys and statutory approvals to monitoring and rehabilitation oversight. Its client base spans infrastructure, resources, and utilities, with contracts for Main Roads Western Australia, BHP, Rio Tinto, Water Corporation, and Horizon Power.
Why now? RSK established its Australian division in 2021 and has since assembled 15 subsidiary businesses across the country. Biota deepens its environmental sciences capability at a time of strong demand from mining, energy transition, and transport projects.
What's the endgame? The deal extends an aggressive buy-and-build strategy that saw RSK complete 11 acquisitions globally during FY25, and follows its December 2025 purchase of Civil Geotechnical Consultants. Biota rounds out RSK's local offering beyond geotechnical work into biodiversity and ecological assessment.
"Biota and Helix together significantly strengthen RSK's environmental and ecological consulting capability in Australia," says RSK founder and chief executive officer Alan Ryder. He adds their expertise "complements our existing services and enhances our ability to support clients delivering sustainable development projects."
The signal: The deal underscores continuing consolidation among mid-sized environmental and engineering consultancies, as global platforms like RSK compete with listed peers and private equity-backed groups to build broad, multi-disciplinary regional networks rather than local niche firms.
Read more: Business News Australia
