Weeks Group acquires Irvine Associates (WGP)

The Weeks Group, the AIM-listed multi-disciplinary engineering and environmental consultancy and materials-testing house, has acquired Irvine Associates, a consultancy specialising in asbestos surveys, risk assessments, training and expert advice for litigation. Weeks has also created Weeks Surveying, a laser-based, precision surveying business.

The Asbestos Group, part of the deal, will provide expert advice and guidance in compliance with the new legislation concerning the management of asbestos in buildings. Peter Irvine, who handed over his company, says: "The Health and Safety Executive predicts that asbestos will represent an £8bn market place in the next 50 years. The creation of an all-encompassing asbestos services fits well with the Weeks Group's consulting and laboratory capabilities and will enable us to maximise opportunities in this field."

Weeks Surveying is led by Neil Tye, former managing director of Tye Associates Ltd and the Tye Group Ltd. The company's activities include Land and Building Surveying, Engineering Accuracy Control, Dimensional Control, Civil and Marine Engineering Setting Out and Structural and Land subsidence monitoring through the utilisation of the latest computerised instrumentation technology and computer software systems, giving survey accuracy to 0.5mm.

Chief executive Phillip Hill, explains: "Both Surveying and Asbestos capabilities are an excellent fit with our diversification strategy and, through The Weeks Group's experience, specialised skills and broad range of systems, we can continue to deliver a comprehensive quality service to our customers. I would expect these two new businesses to add approximately £1m to the group turnover in the coming year."