RSK Group has acquired ABS Commercial Solutions, a Chorley-based specialist provider of commercial, operational, compliance and recruitment services to the UK utilities and infrastructure sectors. The ABS Commercial Solutions acquisition was announced on 12 November 2026, with MHA acting as acquisition adviser.
RSK said the deal would further strengthen its support for clients across the utilities and infrastructure markets. The company expects to connect ABS’s delivery capability and sector relationships with its wider environmental, engineering, water and infrastructure expertise.
Utilities services provider with around 170 staff
Founded in 2014, ABS Commercial Solutions employs around 170 people. It supports regulated utility companies and Tier 1 contractors through a combination of specialist personnel, managed services, operational delivery and accredited training.
Its clients include United Utilities, Network Plus, M Group, Amey, United Living, Burns & McDonnell, Ipsum, Last Mile and Energetics.
Six service areas from streetworks to business transformation
The business operates across six areas: streetworks and training; commercial services; recruitment; operational solutions; audit and finance; and business transformation. Its services range from embedded specialist resources to managed delivery and independent assurance.
Field services include water meter installation, infrastructure surveys and site supervision, alongside streetworks management and compliance. ABS also provides accredited training through the City & Guilds, EUSR and CABWI programmes.
Its commercial managers and quantity surveyors support clients with bid and tender preparation, contract formation, procurement strategy, final accounts, claims and dispute resolution. The recruitment team supplies interim and permanent staff across commercial, operational and supporting functions.
According to the company, these services are particularly relevant to regulated markets, where clients and contractors must respond to changing volumes of work while maintaining commercial control and meeting detailed compliance requirements. H2O Global News has previously reported on other approaches to operational resilience in the sector, including the case set out for governed agentic AI in water utilities.
Why RSK made the ABS Commercial Solutions acquisition
RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “ABS Commercial Solutions has built an impressive business serving utility companies and infrastructure contractors across the UK. Its expertise in commercial management, compliance, operational delivery and specialist resourcing complements RSK’s existing capabilities and strengthens our ability to support clients throughout the life cycle of major infrastructure programmes.
“The business has established trusted relationships with organisations including United Utilities, Network Plus and M Group and brings valuable experience across regulated utility markets. We are pleased to welcome Phil and his colleagues to RSK and look forward to supporting the next stage of their growth.”
RSK Divisional and Board Director Ian Strudwick said: “ABS Commercial Solutions has a strong reputation for helping clients manage compliance, delivery, commercial performance and resource requirements in complex operational environments. Its specialist services will complement RSK’s water and infrastructure offering.
“There are clear opportunities to connect ABS with RSK businesses that already support water companies, utility providers and infrastructure clients. By combining these capabilities, we can offer clients more integrated support without losing the specialist focus and responsive service that have been central to ABS’s success.”
Phil Preston to continue leading ABS
ABS Commercial Solutions Managing Director Phil Preston will continue to lead the business. He said: “ABS Commercial Solutions has grown by helping utility companies and contractors solve operational, commercial and compliance challenges through practical, specialist support. Joining RSK gives us access to a much broader range of expertise, services and client relationships, while allowing us to retain the culture and approach that have been fundamental to our success.
“RSK’s strength in the water, environmental and infrastructure sectors creates exciting opportunities for our people and our clients. We look forward to working with businesses across the group to develop new opportunities and expand the support we provide across the UK.”
Frequently asked questions
Who has RSK Group acquired?
RSK Group has acquired ABS Commercial Solutions, a Chorley-based specialist provider of commercial, operational, compliance and recruitment services to the UK utilities and infrastructure sectors.
How many people does ABS Commercial Solutions employ?
ABS Commercial Solutions, founded in 2014, employs around 170 people.
What services does ABS Commercial Solutions provide?
It operates across streetworks and training, commercial services, recruitment, operational solutions, audit and finance, and business transformation. Field services include water meter installation, infrastructure surveys and site supervision.
Who leads ABS Commercial Solutions after the acquisition?
Managing Director Phil Preston will continue to lead the business.
Who advised on the RSK and ABS Commercial Solutions deal?
The acquisition adviser was MHA.
