The UK-based consulting firm Mace, has been steadily expanding into the global market. In order to consolidate its presence in markets across its global hubs, the firm is looking to acquire “niche consultancy firms” that are established in their respective local markets.
In 2016, Mace acquired MMQS, a South African consultancy firm. The firm deals with end-to-end construction solutions. To navigate all phases of building and construction projects, the firm offers expertise in procurement, construction law, project auditing and monitoring, as well as engineering. With this acquisition, Mace was able to boost its operations in the rapidly growing construction industry in South Africa. However, the strongest construction economy on the continent in recent times is clearly Kenya. The Kenyan construction industry is projected to grow at around 8.5% this year and is expected to progress at a steady 6.2% annually for the next decade till at least 2026.
To tap into this booming sector, Mace has now acquired the quantity-surveying practice YMR. Established in 1985 in Nairobi, it is one of the largest independent construction consultancy firms in East Africa, with 6 Partners, 23 Qualified Quantity Surveyors and an entire team of administrative, logistical and subordinate staff. Their most prominent projects include the Two Rivers, Garden City, and Hub Karen. Some of their major projects outside of Kenya include: The World Bank office in Juba, South Sudan; The Kigali City Tower in Rwanda, and Acacia Plaza in Kampala. The firm was also involved in the construction of Tatu City, which is a 5000 acre residential, retail and commercial development project in Nairobi.
Acquisition of YMR and its operations will significantly boost Mace’s capacity in the region. Mace itself has been a leader in the global construction industry, having been involved in some of the biggest and most challenging projects across the world. Among others, the most prominent is the Kingdom Tower in Jeddah. It is scheduled to come up in 2020 and estimated to be more than a kilometer in height, and without a doubt the future tallest building in the world. The firm has also been involved in the construction of Expo 2020 in Dubai, Battersea Power Station in London, and the Zeitz MOCAA art gallery in Cape Town, South Africa.
“The acquisition of this stake of YMR is the next step forward in Mace’s strategic regional expansion plans. By combining YMR’s excellent local knowledge and Mace’s global scale, resource and expertise, we can transform our service offering in East Africa. We’ll be able to offer existing and potential clients a one-stop shop for high-quality construction consultancy services.” said Jason Millet, the COO for Mace’s consulting practice, while commenting on the acquisition
Meanwhile, Simon Herd, who will act as the Managing Director for East Asia at the newly established partnership said, “This is the natural next step for YMR and will open up a huge range of opportunities for growth – for our existing clients, our business and all of the team here. We will be able to provide our existing clients a suite of new services delivered by Mace, as well as offering new customers a strengthened proposition that can’t be matched by anyone else in East Africa.“
