Global consultant says the acquisition is part of a strategy to become a world leading energy consultant

Engineering giant Atkins has announced it will buy US consultant Nuclear Safety Associates.

The 130-strong consultant specialises in technical engineering, professional security and design engineering services for the nuclear sector.

The deal is subject to US government approval.

Atkins did not say how much it had paid for the firm but in a statement to the City it said the acquisition was “in line with our strategy to be one of the world’s leading energy consultancies”.

It added: “Nuclear Safety Associates will both enhance the capability of the Group’s energy business and provide NSA the opportunity to expand its well established project and client base in the US nuclear market.”