RPMGlobal Holdings Limited and SLR Consulting have agreed to terms whereby RPM’s Mining business will, subject to a number of customary closing conditions, be acquired by SLR with completion of the acquisition scheduled to occur early in the June quarter.

RPM has signed a share sale agreement to divest 100% of the share capital of RPM Advisory Services Pty Ltd, together with the wholly-owned global subsidiary companies relevant to the global Advisory division of RPM, to SLR for an enterprise value of A$63 million ($40 million), subject to customary adjustments, primarily for working capital and net debt.

The agreement with SLR was the outcome of a confidential, comprehensive global sales process, during which RPM engaged with multiple potential buyers to identify the best strategic fit for its Advisory business, RPM says.

SLR is an international sustainability consultancy, with a global team that consists of over 4,000 consultants with expertise in over 45 specialty areas, delivering client solutions across six continents, through offices located in more than 25 countries. The depth and scale of this expertise allows SLR to deliver tailored solutions at the country level while also leveraging insights and capabilities from around the world to ensure solutions are fit-for-purpose and capitalise on best practices and proven experience, it says.

Richard Mathews, CEO of RPMGlobal, said: “Throughout this process and building with every conversation the team has held, it has reinforced to us that SLR is a good home for our Advisory employees and clients. SLR has a very clear vision that is aligned with the leadership team of the Advisory business – being focused on becoming the leading global consultancy for environmental and business solutions by delivering quality advice to clients.”

RPM has made the strategic decision to divest its global Advisory business to focus solely on its Software business.

For SLR, meanwhile, it is the third major piece of M&A it has announced in six months, following agreements to acquire Wardell Armstrong and Robertson GeoConsultants Inc.

All RPM advisory employees will be transferred to SLR and, following the transition, will operate under the SLR brand.

Mathews added: “Finding the right home for the Advisory business was always going to be about our people, culture and adding value to our clients. Throughout this process I have continued to be impressed by SLR’s deep cultural alignment with our own, combined with their focus on a clear vision of Making Sustainability Happen. Both companies nicely complement each other across geography and capability.”

Philippe Baudry, RPM’s Advisory Executive General Manager, added: “The synergetic fit into SLR’s Global Advisory business and beyond into their established core technical teams for RPM Advisory is clear. I am excited about what this opportunity will mean for our team and clients and look forward to introducing our clients to the vastly expanded SLR Mining Advisory business capability across every area of the mining value chain and beyond.”