Wessex Electronic Publishing, the respected provider of construction and estimating price data and products has been sold to RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) by IHS Technical Indexes. This acquisition will establish RICS as the leading provider of information to the construction industry.

Wessex Electronic Publishing will become part of the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS), which operates under RICS Business Services, the commercial arm of RICS. Although its office and staff will remain in Poole, Dorset, the two organisations combined will offer a one-stop-shop of building cost information to surveyors, estimators, builders and architects. 

Speaking on the completion of the sale, Andrew Thompson, General Manager of BCIS said: "Wessex has a fantastic database of resource cost data that will help us to refine our products. We are looking forward to delivering even more cost data to our subscribers and new customers. It is an exciting  time for us."

Angela Hartland, Managing Director of RICS Business Services Ltd agreed: "Wessex Electronic Publishing's products fit perfectly with the products and services provided by BCIS. This acquisition allows us to strengthen our market position as the leading provider of information to the construction industry. This reinforces the knowledge base held within RICS, further reassuring members that they are part of a forward thinking, experienced building organisation."