RNS Number:0919Q
RPS Group PLC
24 September 2003



                                 RPS GROUP PLC
                             ("RPS" or "the Group")

                          Acquisition of Hydrosearch &
                    Creation of New Energy Services Division

RPS, Europe's leading environmental consultancy, announces the acquisition of
Hydrosearch Associates Ltd ("Hydrosearch"), a significant provider of geological
and other environmental services to the energy sector.


Introduction

RPS's strategy remains to enhance the market position of the Group by developing
its product range, employing highly skilled staff and making acquisitions of
quality businesses in order to extend our expertise and geographical presence.

RPS today announces the acquisition of Hydrosearch, a leading provider of
geological and other environmental services to the energy sector.

The acquisition of Hydrosearch enables RPS to create a new Energy Services
division at a time when this sector offers great opportunity, as illustrated by
the UK Government's recent Energy White Paper. It is anticipated that, once
Hydrosearch has been integrated into RPS, further acquisitions will be made to
expand this division.  This will create another substantial business activity
for RPS in a sector in which clients are increasing their requirements for
environmental services.


Hydrosearch

Established in 1979 by former employees of BP, Hydrosearch has a core staff of
50 and draws extensively upon a team of specialist consultants in order to
provide its clients with a broad range of services and geographical experience.
Headquartered in Woking, Surrey, Hydrosearch also has subsidiaries with small
offices based in Perth, Australia and Houston, USA, in order to provide access
and services to those global oil industry service centres.

Hydrosearch has a blue-chip client list and is currently working for numerous
multinational oil companies providing technical advice and project management
services in geographical locations as widely spread as South America, Middle
East, West Africa and Eastern Russia. Values of these major projects to
Hydrosearch range from $US 250,000 to in excess of $US 600,000.  In addition,
Hydrosearch is also involved in the emerging offshore wind energy market.  It is
anticipated that, as part of RPS, Hydrosearch will be able to offer an even
broader range of  services to its clients.


Financials

In the year ended 31 December 2002, Hydrosearch had a turnover of #19.4 million
and profit before tax of #2.0 million. Profit after tax was #1.4 million. At
current exchange rates* turnover would have been in the order of #18.3 million,
profit before tax approximately #1.7 million and profit after tax approximately
#1.2 million. Net assets at 31 December 2002 were #6.4 million.  At completion
Hydrosearch had #3.8 million of cash and no material debt.


Consideration

The maximum total consideration payable is #15.24 million. At completion the
vendors received #7.22 million in cash and 1.1 million new RPS shares priced at
164 pence and valued at #1.8 million.  Assuming certain operational conditions
are met, a further #2.47 million in cash and #0.6 million in new RPS shares will
be payable on the first anniversary of the transaction and #2.55 million in cash
and #0.6 million in new RPS shares will be payable on the second anniversary of
the transaction.



Brook Land, RPS Chairman, said

"By 2050 the world will double its use of energy. It will be a daunting
challenge to satisfy this demand without damaging health, blighting local
environments and threatening vital natural systems. The creation of an Energy
Services division is, therefore, a timely and important step for RPS.  To do
this with a company as established in its markets as Hydrosearch suggests we
will be able to expand our presence in this sector significantly over the next
few years."

"The positive condition of our key markets and our ability to continue building
RPS by making acquisitions of high quality, complementary businesses, such as
Hydrosearch, reinforces the Board's confidence in maintaining good earnings
growth."



                                                               24 September 2003



*  US $1.65 = #1
    A$ 2.42 = #1



ENQUIRIES

RPS Group plc                               Tel: 01235 863206
Dr Alan Hearne
Gary Young

College Hill                                Tel: 020 7457 2020
Justine Warren




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