Purchase of California-based consulting engineer Geomatrix for £43m is seventh such acquisition in 18 months

Amec has bought California-based technical consultant and engineer Geomatrix for £43m.

Geomatrix, which employs 500 staff across 18 offices in North America, operates in the environmental, geotechnical and water sectors.

The purchase follows the acquisition of six other environmental consulting firms since January 2007.

Samir Brikho, chief executive of Amec, said the purchase provided the company with “an important differentiator” in its portfolio.