Cumbria-headquartered quantity surveying and commercial consultancy A. Lamb Associates (ALA) has acquired Edinburgh-based quantity surveying and cost consultancy Morham + Brotchie (M+B).
The deal will increase the collective headcount to more than 50 and scale the capabilities of both firms in Scotland and England.
Originally founded in 1876, M+B is known for its expertise in traditional building and complex one-off projects. Its clients includes National Museums of Scotland, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, Historic Royal Palaces, The Royal Household and National Trust of Scotland.
Major projects it has been involved with include The Queen’s Gallery in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Flight, The Johnnie Walker Experience, Gala Fairydean's stadium, the Lindores Abbey Distillery and the Robert Burns Museum.
Established in 1996, ALA is a family-owned consultancy that has grown from its roots in the oil and gas pipeline sector to offer commercial services across the construction industry.
The firm specialises in major construction, infrastructure and energy projects worldwide, with significant projects including the Khazzan gas pipeline project in Oman, Thirlmere Link water pipeline in Cumbria, Runcorn Energy from Waste Plant and the Baltic Pipe project in Denmark.
The transaction will see ALA’s Byron Tyson and Tom Lamb become directors of M+B, while the existing leadership team is being retained.
Alan Harper has been promoted to chair, David Anderson takes on the role of managing director, while Ewan Slight and Euan Watson continue in their director roles.
Napthens acted as legal advisors to ALA were Napthens, HSBC provided banking, and MHA Moore and Smalley provided accountancy. Morton Fraser provided legal advice to M+B’s shareholders.
Lamb said: “We’re naturally hugely excited by the acquisition of M+B, as it represents a real watershed moment for both companies.
“It takes us to a collective of over 50 exceptional staff, and is another milestone on our ALA25 business plan, as we work towards our goal of a 100-strong team.
“We now look forward to taking this well-established business with a long history to the wider market, working with the existing management team on this exciting new chapter.”
Harper said: “We’ve been familiar with the team at ALA for some time, and have always valued the synergy and cultural alignments between our two organisations.
“Our shared values made taking this step feel natural for both parties, and it represents an opportunity for two well-established quantity surveying consultancies to share best practice, develop talent and provide market-leading services to our clients.“
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