Capita has bought planning and property consultant GL Hearn as it seeks to win more work on major infrastructure projects such as HS2.
The outsourcing giant will pay £25m in cash up front for the 250-strong business, along with £5m in deferred payments.
GL Hearn posted an operating profit of £5.8m in the year to May 2015, on a turnover of £31.2m, and has a particularly strong track record advising on major regeneration projects and complex planning applications.
Capita property and infrastructure chief executive Richard Marchant said the deal would extend the range of services the company could provide on large projects.
Chief executive Andy Parker added: “GL Hearn will be a transformative addition to Capita’s property and infrastructure business.”
Capita was a winner of four design contracts for HS2 for the Northern England elements of the railway scheme. The company is expected to be involved in the delivery of the project in the years ahead.
