Thomas Lyons 
Origin Enterprises, an Irish agri-services group, has recently acquired Neo Environmental, a UK-based planning consultancy firm, for an undisclosed amount. With five offices across the UK and Ireland, Neo Environmental has worked on more than 800 projects. One of its offices is located in Naas, Co Kildare. Established as a stand-alone company in 2007, Origin Enterprises has expanded significantly over the years, with offices in the UK, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and Brazil. Its recent acquisition of Neo Environmental aligns with its strategy to broaden the group’s amenity, environmental, and ecological portfolio, and enhance its ability to promote sustainable land use.
According to Sean Coyle, Origin’s chief executive, the acquisition of Neo Environmental will ensure that the company is positioned to provide an enhanced range of consulting and advisory services. As subsidy regimes change, farmers are expected to assess alternative uses for less productive agricultural land. In conjunction with Origin’s existing ecological specialist business, Neo Environmental will help the company deliver on its ambition of promoting sustainable land use.
In its most recent financial report, Origin Enterprises reported a 4.4% increase in revenue to €1,658.4m. The company’s operating profit also rose by 38.3% to €61m, while its dividend per share increased significantly to 11c, up from 3.15c in the previous year. With the completion of its €20 million share buyback program this week, which has seen a cumulative €60 million returned to shareholders via share buybacks in the last two years, Origin expects its near-term capital deployment to focus on further bolt-on acquisitions, strategic capex to drive organic growth, and its progressive dividend policy.
The acquisition of Neo Environmental is expected to enhance Origin’s consulting and advisory services, particularly in the areas of amenity, environmental, and ecological portfolio. The move is also seen as a strategic step towards promoting sustainable land use, as farmers are expected to explore alternative uses for less productive agricultural land. With its expanding presence globally, Origin Enterprises is poised to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the agri-services industry, particularly in the UK and Ireland, where Neo Environmental has a strong presence.
The acquisition is also expected to bolster Origin’s position as a leading player in the agri-services industry, particularly in the areas of ecological and environmental consulting. With a strong track record of delivering high-quality services to clients across the UK and Ireland, Neo Environmental is expected to complement Origin’s existing business, enabling the company to provide a wider range of services to its clients.
Overall, the acquisition of Neo Environmental is seen as a strategic move by Origin Enterprises, as it seeks to expand its presence in the agri-services industry and enhance its consulting and advisory services. With its strong track record of delivering high-quality services to clients across the UK and Ireland, Neo Environmental is expected to play a key role in Origin’s growth strategy, particularly in the areas of ecological and environmental consulting.
