Dutch-based multidisciplinary consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV has acquired the UK flood risk intelligence provider Ambiental, for an undisclosed fee. The purchase will bolster RHDHV’s flood risk consultancy offering with a suite of data and digital solutions including machine learning, predictive analytics and digital mapping.
The 35-strong Ambiental provides data, digital tools, modelling, visualisation and consultancy services in flood risk assessment for infrastructure, industrial and insurance client sectors across the globe. Its services can be applied to asset management, climate resilience, disaster adaptation and risk-reduction modelling programmes.
Ambiental has developed a number of innovative digital products and platforms for use across the world such as property-level risk database (FloodScore™); hazard maps (FloodMap™) and flood catastrophe models (FloodCat™) for the Australian and New Zealand insurance industry. The firm has also been involved in disaster risk reduction efforts for the World Bank, most notably a flood-loss modelling study for the Brazilian state of Santa Caterina.
RHDHV CEO Erik Oostwegel said: "We are excited to welcome the Ambiental team with their high-precision, productised analytics and data solutions. Together we can help our clients to better understand and reduce risks from flooding and other natural hazards using digital services and market-leading intelligence.
"Ambiental has a strong position in the reinsurance market, complementary to our current market position and client base. The acquisition opens new and promising high-growth markets in international reinsurance which are looking to better predict risks and prevent flood losses to people and properties."
Ambiental generated turnover of between £2-3m during the financial year ending 31 December 2018.