Addition of architecture and engineering consultant hoped to help win US government contracts

UK-based engineering company Amec has bought US consultant OEST for £5.9m in a bid to strengthen its position in the country.

The firm announced it had acquired the Maine-based architecture and engineering firm, which has 102 staff in New England and a satellite office in Florida.

It said that the acquisition will strengthen the firm's portfolio of services and help win contracts from the US government.

Roger Jinks, president of Amec's earth and environmental division, said: “OEST is a great fit, geographically and strategically. It doubles Amec's presence in New England and provides facility design and architectural skills necessary for many federal contracts.”