An Oxfordshire-based environmental consultancy has continued the international expansion of its business with an acquisition in the Netherlands.

RPS Group plc, which also advises on the natural resources, land and property sectors, has bought Rotterdam-based Kraan Consulting.

Kraan, an urban estate management and environmental services consultancy serving blue chip clients throughout the Netherlands, was bought in a deal that could be worth £4.8 million.

On completion £3 million was paid in cash, with up to £1.8 million due in two instalments if agreed targets are achieved by March 2009 and 2010.

RPS chairman, Brook Land, said the group’s Dutch business traded well in 2007 and has encouraging prospects for the year ahead. “The board believes now is a good time to invest in what is a healthy and expanding market.”

The acquired business will be integrated into the RPS’s existing operations in the Netherlands, with Kraan’s management and staff also joining the group.

This deal follows two recent acquisitions in the US when it added JDC, an energy and chemical consultancy, and oil and gas adviser Scotia to its portfolio.

“Our acquisition pipeline remains strong and the board anticipates that more acquisitions will be completed in the coming months, further assisting the group’s future growth,” Land added.

Kraan, which was established in 1979, has 65 staff helping companies and government agencies to reduce energy use on their premises. In the year to January 2008, Kraan made a pre-tax profit of £820,000 from a £5.3 million turnover.

RPS manages projects throughout the world from its operations in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, North America, Southeast Asia and Australia.