Acquisition of Ecos Consulting (Aust) Pty Ltd (“Ecos” or “the Company”)

RPS announces the acquisition of Ecos a leading provider of environmental consultancy services to the energy and minerals industries in Australia.

Introduction

RPS’s strategy is to enhance its market position by developing its range of services, employing highly skilled staff and making acquisitions of quality businesses in order to extend its expertise and geographical presence.

Ecos (www.ecos.com.au)

Located in Perth, Australia, Ecos has been providing consultancy services to the energy and minerals industries since 1996.
Ecos employs 15 permanent full time staff. In addition, and as is common in this sector, the business utilises a number of specialist consultants, the majority of whom have long term relationships with the Company. Mark Watson, the Operational Director of Ecos, will be remaining with RPS following completion.

In the year ended 30 June 2005 Ecos had revenues of A$4.0 million (£1.7 million), and adjusted profit before tax of A$0.2 million (£0.1 million). Net assets at 30 June 2005 were A$0.2 million (£0.1 million). The current year is showing significant growth.

Consideration

Consideration paid at completion was A$1.3 million (£0.5 million) in cash. On both the first and second anniversaries of the transaction, assuming certain operational conditions are met, a further A$0.2 million (£0.1 million) will be paid in cash.

Brook Land, RPS Chairman, said:

"Ecos has a strong reputation in Australia for providing high quality environmental consultancy services. It will supplement both our energy and planning and development businesses and we welcome Mark Watson and his team to RPS. Our 2005 results will be published on 14 March and will show a performance above market expectations. 2006 has begun encouragingly."

10th March 2006

ENQUIRIES

RPS Group Plc
Dr Alan Hearne, Chief Executive
Tel: 01235 863206

College Hill
Matthew Smallwood
Justine Warren
Tel: 020 7457 2020