Consultant McBains Cooper has launched a global division after opening two offices in South America.

The branches, in Lima and Mexico City, will be headed by managing director Santiago Klein, who has moved to the firm from Currie & Brown.

Michael Thirkettle, chief executive of the £15m turnover company, said: “With the group’s continued success in the UK and its interdisciplinary model, coupled with the current market conditions, the time was right to go global.”

Klein said: “Despite harsh general market conditions, Latin America is experiencing a boom as a result of 10 years of steady economic growth.”

The new McBains Cooper International division will also work through associations in Brazil and Europe.