Engineering consultancy Hydrock has bought regional rivals 3e Consulting Engineers in a move it says will expand its reach across the north of England.
3e, which operates from bases in Newcastle and Wakefield, has a 30-strong team that provides consultancy in civil engineering, geo-environmental and structural engineering for property projects in the UK and overseas.
Hydrock employs 700 people across offices in the UK and New Zealand, including sites in Leeds and Newcastle, and said the undisclosed deal will allow 3e to grow further.
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Dr Brian McConnell, Hydrock CEO, said: “This is a great strategic move for both Hydrock and 3e. As we continue to expand at pace across the UK and internationally, this will strengthen our offer in key territories in the north of England, including Yorkshire, which we see as an area for key strategic growth as levelling-up opportunities unfold across the country.
"It also enables 3e to realise their own growth plan which is fuelled by the strong relationships they’ve established over the past 21 years with a high calibre portfolio of clients, including Aldi, Keepmoat and Kier.
“Our new colleagues are warmly welcomed into the Hydrock family. We know they’ll reflect our aspiration to be a force for good, our values, and the way we build relationships with clients which have been core to our long-term success.”
The acquisition complements Hydrock’s established award-winning reputation which includes a circa 700 strong existing team delivering integrated engineering design services from 20 locations around the UK.
3e Consulting Engineer director Steve Watson said: “We’re very proud of the business we’ve developed at 3e. Joining Hydrock, a well-respected, employee-focused company, is the perfect next step for the ambitions of our team and the growth of both our client base as well as being able to offer a multi-disciplined service.
"I’ve got to know several of the senior team over the past few months, and the obvious synergies make me very excited for the future.”
Led by Steve Watson along with fellow directors Dean Gray and Adam Cooper, 3e will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hydrock trading under the name of Hydrock 3E as a separate operating division.
