Engineer buys California-based Anderson Drilling to boost US operations

Ground engineer Keller Group has boosted its US operations with its latest acquisition.

The group has bought California-based Anderson Drilling which provides heavy foundations to the commercial, industrial and public infrastructure markets.

Keller will pay £10.7m for the business which is expected to report annual sales of £26.7m for the year ending 31 December 2006.

In a statement the company said Anderson Drilling represents an excellent strategic fit with its existing US businesses.

Justin Atkinson, chief executive of Keller, said: “We are pleased to have completed the purchase of Anderson, which represents an excellent strategic fit with our existing US businesses and will enable us to build on our position as foundations market leader in the US.

“Once again, this demonstrates Keller's ability to make complementary, bolt-on acquisitions which, together with the organic development of our existing businesses, reflects our strategy for delivering continued long-term growth.”