26 February 2014
US project manager Hill International is planning to acquire UK businesses and grow its presence in the UK as the construction market is seen to be returning to growth.
"It’s one of the few global markets where we don’t have a project management presence and we’re working to change that," said chief operating officer of Hill International, David Richter, in an interview with newspaper The Telegraph.
Hill is looking to take advantage of the increased spending in the construction on new homes and major infrastructure projects.
One major project is HS2, the high-speed rail that will link London with the north of England.
"HS2 is the next major project coming along," said Mr Richter. "I think the construction market in the UK is getting stronger at the moment and we would very much like to have a bigger presence there. The UK buildings market is also coming back and getting stronger."
Hill International is looking to growth its presence in the UK construction sector (Wikimedia Commons)
Mr Richter will take over as chief executive of New York-listed Hill International at the end of the year, succeeding his father who founded the firm in 1976.
Earlier this year the company announced a contract backlog of $1bn for the first time, a further sign of the strength in the global infrastructure market.
Outside North America much of Hill’s contracts are in the Middle East where it saw a 60% growth in business last year.
"Literally everywhere in the world now we’re anticipating growth," said Mr Richter.
