Linklaters advises WSP on its acquisition of Ricardo for £281m

Linklaters is advising WSP Global Inc (“WSP”), one of the world's leading professional services firms, on its acquisition of Ricardo plc (“Ricardo”) for £281m.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Ricardo is a global consulting firm delivering strategic, advisory, and engineering solutions that intersect the global transport, energy, and environment agendas. Operating in over 20 countries, Ricardo is home to approximately 2,700 experts based across Europe, Australia, North America, Asia, and the Middle East. 

This acquisition underscores WSP's commitment to expanding its footprint in high-growth sectors worldwide, representing an excellent opportunity for WSP to progress its 2025-2027 Global Strategic Action Plan and accelerate its expansion in targeted high-growth areas. Specialized and differentiated, Ricardo’s value-added expertise in rail, air quality, water management, energy resilience, policy strategy, and advisory supplements and elevates WSP’s offering in core market sectors. 

The Linklaters team is being led by Corporate Partners Aisling Zarraga and Iain Fenn, with Managing Associates Alexandra Simpson and Cameron Western.

Partner Toby Grimstone and Managing Associate Atish Shah are leading on banking advice supported by Associate Alliance Mukengeshayi.

Partner Rachel Hetherington and Managing Associate Neha Zamvar are leading on antitrust and regulatory matters and Partner Bradley Richardson is advising on employment & incentives.