An Aberdeen business which analyses offshore installations and crime scenes has been bought by a north-east energy service firm in a potential £10million-plus deal.
Return to Scene (R2S), set up 20 years ago, is now owned by SeaEnergy.
The Westhill-based firm said yesterday it had bought R2S from its management for an initial £5million, with a further £5.1million to be paid over two years depending on the company’s performance.
SeaEnergy added the acquisition was its first “significant move” towards fulfilling its strategy of buying and building energy service businesses, while R2S said being part of a plc would help it realise its international growth ambitions.
R2S, which has annual turnover of £2million, now plans to add to its 25-strong workforce.
Oil and gas firms use the firm’s simulation software to help plan maintenance activities on offshore installations, while R2S also works with police forces to recreate crime scenes.
The company does most of its oil and gas work in the North Sea but managing director Brian Dillon said it was also having success in regions including the Gulf of Mexico and Australia.
Mr Dillon, who stands to gain about £2.4million from his 24% stake in R2S, added: “Being part of a plc is a major thing for us; we are now operating around the world, but for a fairly small company that is a challenge.
“This gives us the confidence and the capital we need. We are profitably and financially well run, but having an umbrella of a plc gives clients comfort as well.”
SeaEnergy chief executive John Aldersey-Williams, who has been appointed chairman of R2S, said the company would fit in well with SeaEnergy’s plans to acquire profitable service companies, develop a consultancy business and design and operate support vessels for the North Sea’s offshore wind industry.