Citywatch

WSP — ranking third in Europe
WSP, the building and engineering consultancy firm, has bought Swedish company Jacobson & Widmark, a similar business. The Swedish business specialises in environmental work, something WSP wants to do more of.

The deal comes hot on the heels of a small purchase in South Africa by WSP and two big acquisitions in the US. These propel WSP into the premier league division of consultancy firms.

The US firms bought by WSP are Cantor Seinuk and Flack & Curtz. They bring to WSP a range of skills, allowing WSP to win contracts previously outside its reach.

WSP wants to generate half its turnover from overseas compared with a quarter last year. The firm reckons it is now the number three engineering consultancy in Europe.

WS Atkins to dominate transport PPP
Apart from its £200m Cornish schools contract (see above), WS Atkins' transport division is on the fast track.

WS Atkins specialises in white collar planning and management activities.

If the company wins the Public Private Partnership to operate the tracks of London Underground's tube network, it will dominate the field.

The property side of W S Atkins has done less well as the Ministry of Defence, which is a major client, has rationalised its property contracts.

The City would like to see Atkins make a big acquisition overseas — Atkins only gets one-tenth of its revenue from international work.