RSK Group, a global leader in environmental and engineering solutions, has significantly strengthened its position in the UK transport infrastructure sector following its acquisition of Octavius Infrastructure from Sullivan Street Partners.

Octavius is one of the UK's foremost civil engineering and electrification specialists, employing more than 700 people across rail and highways. The company maintains long-standing relationships with major sector clients, including Network Rail, National Highways and Transport for London, and delivers work through more than 30 frameworks. These include representation in every Network Rail region in England and Wales, the industry-leading Southern Renewals Enterprise for Electrification and Plant, major National Highways frameworks, the M25 Lifecycle and Call-off Framework Agreement (COFA) for Connect Plus, and various local and regional authority transport frameworks across the country.

The business is currently delivering several high-profile projects, such as the refurbishment of Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight, the Waterloo Station roof works, the construction of new stations at Okehampton and Charfield, the A46 Walsgrave Junction upgrade, a new link road in Colchester, and the recently completed A140 Long Stratton Bypass.

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Octavius will continue to operate under CEO John Dowsett, who will remain supported by his executive team, including Matt Smith and Gavin Pritchard, managing directors for the rail and highways divisions respectively.

The acquisition marks a major milestone for RSK, substantially expanding its capabilities in a sector benefiting from continued national investment. RSK’s latest Annual Report identified infrastructure as its fastest-growing segment, accounting for 14% of total revenue and achieving 36% year-on-year growth. The addition of Octavius elevates RSK’s standing in the market, positioning the group with scaled Tier 1 capability in both rail and highways.

Octavius CEO John Dowsett said: "I am very excited about joining the RSK Group and embarking on the next stage of the Octavius journey. Having thrived under the ownership of Sullivan Street Partners, expanding our capabilities, reputation, revenue and profitability, RSK feels like the natural long-term home for us to continue our ambitious growth plans.

"We will retain our proud Octavius brand and maintain a strong level of autonomy, while enjoying a wealth of support from the considerable expertise within the RSK Group. We have a strong cultural fit with RSK, with complementary strengths, and share a vision for ambitious but sustainable growth, delivered with an unwavering commitment to the safety, health and wellbeing of our people and our environment. I am looking forward to working closely with the RSK leadership team and our partner businesses to deliver the Octavius vision of being the most respected transport infrastructure provider."

RSK Founder and CEO Alan Ryder added: "I am very proud to see Octavius, a high quality and trusted partner in the UK rail and highway sectors, choose RSK as its long-term home. John and his team have built a remarkable business, and I look forward to working with them as they continue to lead Octavius through many more successes."