Environmental due diligence delivers savings and uncovers true commercial value of business and depot acquisition

Updated: 15 October 2024

Published: 16 August 2023

The situation

Aiming to grow their UK footprint, our client located a potential fuel company and oil depot acquisition within a key northern territory. Adler & Allan were tasked with identifying the risks of the purchase, the site’s pressing environmental issues – and the financial impact of putting things right.

The depot’s high contamination levels – and estimated £500,000 clean-up costs – had already caused other buyers to decline the deal. Our client needed accurate data, detailed risk analysis, and our experience to pinpoint possibilities their competitors couldn’t.

The solution

Our in-depth investigation, risk assessment, and monitoring work uncovered the site’s critical environmental concerns and – crucially – its true commercial value. We not only confirmed the business was a solid investment, but also armed our client with powerful, deal-shaping data.

Our expert analysis of the site’s pollution risks led to a £500,000 reduction of the purchase price.
We delivered a remedial solution which dealt with highlighted liabilities within the financial limits allowed for as part of the purchase.
Targeted product recovery work revitalised local groundwater sources and safeguarded against future pollution fines.

Our team of experts helped to achieve a successful transaction. We provided the client with the confidence needed to move into a brand new region through clearly detaining and dealing with contaminated land liabilities.

Savings were realised as part of the remediation works due to our technical and commercial led approach.