Corporate fit-out and data centre specialist will complement US South-east division

Balfour Beatty has bought North Carolina construction company RT Dooley Construction for about $40m (£27.5m).

The family-owned firm turned over $300m (£206m) in 2008 and specialises in corporate fit-out work and data centres.

It made an operating profit of about $7m (£4.8m) and net cash of $10m (£6.9m) last year.

Its activities will complement Balfour Beatty Construction US’ South East division, which is also based in Charlotte.

Balfour Beatty chief executive Ian Tyler, said: “RT Dooley is a high-quality business with a leading position in its markets. As customers seek an expanded range of services from the same supplier, combining our capabilities with RT Dooley enhances our ability to meet customers' needs.”

Its clients include Bank of America, Wachovia, Duke Energy and Lowes.

RT Dooley’s management will remain in their current roles.