Browne Jacobson advises Phenna Group on its acquisition of STM Environmental

UK & Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has advised Phenna Group on its acquisition of environmental consultancy STM Environmental.

Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group is a leading global provider of testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) services and invests in and partners with selected niche, independent TICC companies that serve a variety of sectors, ensuring customers' peace of mind by delivering first class testing and assurance services. 

The acquisition of STM Environmental is Phenna Group’s second deal of 2025 as it continues on its high growth journey, and will enhance its offering within its Infrastructure division.

STM Environmental was founded in 2004 and provides a diversified offering of environmental consulting services to public and private sector clients. STM’s offering is predominantly focused on the supply of geo-environmental and flood risk & drainage services, complemented with the development and supply of environmental data management systems to Local Authorities.

The Browne Jacobson team advising Phenna Group on the deal was led by partner Matt Bolton, supported by associates Jack Milnthorpe and Abigail Noakes (corporate), senior associate Christian Burchardt (tax) and partner Cat Driscoll (commercial). A multi-disciplinary Browne Jacobson team carried out legal due diligence for Phenna Group.

Matt Bolton, Partner at Browne Jacobson, said:

“We’re proud to have supported Phenna Group on the strategic acquisition of STM Environmental – its second deal of 2025 which is off to a flying start. The addition of STM Environmental will further enhance Phenna Group’s offering within its Infrastructure division. Congratulations to the Phenna Group team, and to Simon and the team at STM Environmental.”

Tom Gray, Group General Counsel at Phenna Group, added: 

“I am grateful for the support that Browne Jacobson have provided to us on this transaction. The team led by Matt Bolton are commercially focused and helped us to resolve any deal issues swiftly. It is a pleasure to work with them.”

Phil Marshall, CEO of Phenna Group, added:

“I am delighted that Simon and his team have decided to join our Group and warmly welcome them to our team. STM Environmental is a market leader in the environmental consulting space and this acquisition boosts our current service offering within the Infrastructure division. I look forward to seeing Simon and his team excel within Phenna.”

Browne Jacobson’s energy & infrastructure practice focuses on providing solutions for the sector in innovation, sustainability and investment in clean technology – supporting clients to advance the net zero agenda while ensuring projects achieve their full potential. The firm’s offering covers the full asset life cycle in the energy and infrastructure industry, from technological concept through to operational aspects and asset transactions, and including regulatory, procurement, development, planning and authorisation, raising of equity and debt capital, and everyday operations. 

Recent projects which the firm has advised on include multinational tunnelling and mining corporate PBE Group on its multi-jurisdictional corporate financing arrangements and advising Folkestone and Hythe District Council in relation to Otterpool Park, a flagship garden town project with an estimated gross development value of £2.8bn.