Hill claims world domination in dispute market after Knowles buy

Hill International claimed it was part way to establishing global domination in the dispute resolution and project management markets after announcing its agreed takeover of listed group Knowles for £7m.

The firm, which was touted by QS News as a suitor for Knowles in March, agreed to pay 33p a share for the listed disputes group last Friday. The deal was delayed by Hill’s entry into the Nasdaq stock market in New York late last month.

The acquisitive firm, which has over 1,000 staff and 26 offices, said it had now established itself as the world’s biggest dispute and claims adviser, opening up new territories for Hill through the Knowles offices in Australia, Southeast Asia and Canada.

Hill chairman and chief executive Irvin Richter was bullish about the deal. “I believe the combination of Hill and Knowles will create one of the most pre-eminent consultancies in the world focused on helping clients and resolve construction claims and disputes.”

People at Knowles are relieved and pleased that it’s Hill

Roger Knowles

Knowles chief executive Brian Quinn and finance director Charlotte Parsons are to stay on although it is understood the Knowles brand will eventually go after a transition period.

It is also believed that Knowles’ legal practice, Knowles Legal, will not figure in Hill’s future plans for the business. Rivals claimed Knowles’ attempt to establish a practising legal arm backfired as it alienated the law practices Knowles worked for in its claims and expert witness businesses.

Rivals said the Knowles deal showed a real commitment from Hill to the UK market. “They have tried to come into the UK before but not with any real success. I think their big US clients are demanding them to be here,” one boss of a dispute resolution firm said. The boss added that Hill was also actively recruiting staff in the UK. “In aggressively gaining market share they are throwing quite big numbers at new recruits,” he said.