New starters asset purchase transactions collection (EHS issues)—appointing environmental consultants

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Produced in partnership with Irwin Mitchell
Practice notes

New starters asset purchase transactions collection (EHS issues)—appointing environmental consultants

Copyright © 2025 LexisNexis

Produced in partnership with Irwin Mitchell

Practice notes

Technical Due diligence

If there are known or suspected non-compliance or land contamination concerns, the buyer or ideally its lawyers might instruct an environmental consultancy firm to undertake a phase 1 environmental, health and safety (EHS) compliance audit or intrusive phase 2 testing to assess the liability and financial risks.

Types of environmental audits

The table below summarises the different types of environmental audits:

Type of reportWhat is coveredTypical price (exc VAT)Timescale
Desktop searchHistoric usesLandfillsEnvironmental permitsPollution incidentsGround stabilityFloodingContaminated land risk screening report £180 Combined contaminated land and flooding search £270–£3201–3 days
Basic phase 1 auditDesktop searchSite walk overManagement interviewRegulator replies£1,000–£2,0005–10 days
Detailed phase 1 EHS auditAs phase 1 plus:Review of reportsReview of operational controls and systemsKey health and safety compliance issuesAssessment of capex investment£2,500–£4,0005–10 days
Asbestos surveyManagement Asbestos SurveyDemolition or Refurbishment SurveyAsbestos register£2,000–£5,0007–10 days
Phase 2 reportIntrusive testingSoil, water and gasPrice can vary significantly according
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Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
Key definition:
Asset definition
What does Asset mean?

(1) Any item of value; (2) The holdings of a fund, which may include stocks, shares, fixed-interest securities or cash; (3) The main types of investment available: bonds, equities, real estate, commodities etc.

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