RCR Tomlinson chief executive officer John Linden has just presided over the Welshpool engineering group’s $14.05 million agreement to buy three new businesses. The bolt-on businesses are JG Engineering, VRBT Group and Australian Crusher Repairs. Mr Linden said RCR was in its strongest trading period of any time in its 15-year history, and the strategic acquisitions would play an important role in the growth of the company. “All of the company’s divisions continue to run very well, with most enjoying high levels of capacity utilisation, strong organic growth and a significant number of tenders outstanding,” he said. The new acquisitions, to be funded by internal resources and existing banking facilities, are subject to final due diligence and documentation, and board approval. RCR anticipates completing all three acquisitions in July 2006.