SLR Acquires Natural Capital Advisory Firm Anchor Environmental Consultants

UK-based sustainability-focused consulting firm SLR announced the acquisition of specialist marine and natural capital consultancy Anchor Environmental Consultants expanding its capabilities in marine and coastal development, biodiversity, and natural capital advisory services.

Founded by Barry Clark and Jane Turpie, Capetown, South Africa-based Anchor provides services including ecological, social and economic assessment, research, monitoring, ecosystem services assessment, and natural capital accounting, with a focus on the marine, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial realms, advising governments, development agencies, NGOs, mining, energy, fisheries, aquaculture, and port development companies, as well as international finance institutions. The business includes 45 professionals in South Africa and Namibia, and it also operates a marine taxonomy laboratory in Cape Town.

According to SLR, the acquisition will strengthen its capability to support clients navigating increasingly complex marine and coastal developments, while expanding expertise in natural capital, biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development. The company added that the transaction enhances its ability to support clients throughout their sustainability journey, from planning and assessment through implementation.

Tasman Graham, SLR’s Managing Director for the Middle East & Africa, said:

“The integration of Anchor into SLR’s Middle East and Africa team strengthens our position as a leading provider of services in estuarine, coastal, marine and offshore environments, and aligns with SLR’s strategy to develop global capability in the ports and marine sector. Anchor’s work in natural capital is world-class, and this combination will further enhance delivery, supported by SLR’s strengths in sustainable finance, corporate sustainability, ecology, and digital services.”

The two firms have previously collaborated on projects across Southern Africa, including environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) work for major green hydrogen and ammonia developments, as well as mining, infrastructure, offshore gas, and offshore wind projects. SLR said that the combined teams will leverage their shared expertise and create new opportunities to help clients accelerate sustainability outcomes.

Jane Turpie, former CEO of Anchor and now Business Unit Director for SLR’s Environmental Sciences unit, said:

“Joining the SLR global network significantly enhances Anchor’s reach and capabilities, enabling improved client service and increased impact in the marine science, natural capital and environmental economics and policy space.”

The announcement forms the latest in a series of transactions by SLR, including the recent acquisitions of climate-modelling and analytics platforms Planetrics and ClimSystems, sustainability advisory firm SB&CO, and sustainability consulting, software and ESG data solutions provider WAP Sustainability.