WEDNESDAY 9th MARCH 2011

Rider Levett Bucknall appointed by State Bank of India, London

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Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) has been appointed by State Bank of India, for a project fit out and refurbish plan for nine high street branches of State Bank of India, as part of the Bank’s plans to expand and strengthen its corporate profile in the UK marketplace.

The global property and construction practice will act as Project Managers, Cost Consultants, CDM co-ordinators and designers on the various schemes.

It will oversee the refurbishment and rebranding of new branches opening in Wolverhampton, Coventry and East Ham, and of existing branches at London Main Branch in the City, Golders Green Southall, Leicester, Manchester and Birmingham. In addition, RLB will fit out new office accommodation at Bishopsgate, London to house some of the departments of UK operations of State Bank of India.

Details of the contract are announced as RLB confirms its official opening of a new office in Mumbai, India.

Mark Weaver, managing partner at Rider Levett Bucknall said:

We are delighted to have been appointed to partner State Bank of India at a pivotal stage of its expansion plans. This programme will see us carry out work on all ten properties in less than 12 months, with a completion date set for late 2011.

Rider Levett Bucknall has extensive experience in the financial services sector, having undertaken work on behalf of HSBC, The Post Office, Barclays, Nationwide Building Society, Birmingham Midshires and Halifax.

Mr Rajnish Kumar, Regional Head of State Bank of India UK Operations said:

Rider Levett Bucknall was chosen for a number of reasons, including knowledge and experience of the sector and an ability to provide cost effective solutions. In addition, the team demonstrated a forward thinking approach which complements our own.

The State Bank of India is the oldest and largest commercial bank in India, with more than 13,000 branches in India and over 142 offices across 32 countries. With a current portfolio of seven branches in the UK, a further three branches are set to open shortly. This forms part of a broader strategy to expand its existing presence in Europe.

RLB India has already secured a major contract for its Mumbai office with the expansion of a Sheffield cutlery manufacturer to the city.

Lance Taylor, CEO for RLB, added:

With India set to become one of the world’s economic superpowers, it is a logical step for Rider Levett Bucknall to incorporate India into its growth strategy. We have worked on a number of projects in India and understand the opportunities and challenges as well as the mind-set that exists.

The opportunity to combine the strengths of a fast growing economy with the established global expertise of Rider Levett Bucknall is an exciting one for us and our new colleagues in India.