Dubai-based global consultancy Sidara officially completed its £207 million takeover of the Aberdeen-headquartered engineering and consulting firm John Wood Group. The deal marks a major milestone for both companies and signals Sidara’s strategic push to strengthen its presence in the global energy and materials sectors. With the transaction finalized, Wood will continue to operate under its established brand. However, the acquisition brings an end to its long-standing status as an independent publicly listed company.
Strategic Expansion in Energy and Materials
According to Sidara Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Talal Shair, the acquisition represents a transformative moment for the organization. He described the move as the most ambitious venture in Sidara’s history, emphasizing that the deal aligns with the company’s long-term strategy to expand and strengthen its energy-focused business segment.
“Acquiring Wood is without a doubt the most ambitious venture in the history of Sidara,” Shair said. “This step drives forward our long-term strategy of expanding and elevating our energy pillar.” Through this acquisition, Sidara aims to enhance its global capabilities and deliver more integrated services to clients across critical industries.
Driving the Global Energy Transition
The integration of Wood’s expertise is expected to accelerate Sidara’s role in addressing two of the most pressing challenges of the modern industrial landscape—energy transition and sustainable resource supply. Shair noted that by combining the capabilities of both organizations, the company will be better positioned to support clients navigating complex energy and materials demands.
“Together with Wood, our people will be empowered to have far greater impact in two of the defining sectors of our time: energy and materials,” he said. He further highlighted the growing importance of sustainable resource management. “Accelerating the energy transition and establishing a sustainable supply of the raw materials that will shape our future has never been more critical than it is today.”
Long-Term Backing for Innovation and Growth
Sidara believes the acquisition will provide Wood with a strong strategic foundation and long-term investment support. This backing, the company says, will enable the combined organization to develop innovative and industry-leading solutions for clients worldwide. By leveraging Wood’s engineering expertise and Sidara’s global consulting capabilities, the partnership aims to deliver advanced solutions in energy infrastructure, materials development, and sustainable industrial projects.
Part of the Dar Al-Handasah Group
Sidara is part of the international professional services group Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, which operates across engineering, design, project management, and consulting services worldwide. As reported by upstream.com, the acquisition of Wood further strengthens the group’s global footprint and positions it to play a more significant role in shaping the future of energy and industrial development.
