International engineering consultant Hyder Consultancy has trebled its profit to £8.3m from £2.6m over the past year, it reported this week.

The firm's results for the year ended 31 March 2006 show a 219% rise in pre-tax profit. Turnover rose 26% to £171m across the same period.

The group's results were boosted by four acquisitions made throughout the year, three in Australia and one in the UK. Since 31 March, the group has also acquired UK environmental consultants Cresswell Associates and German highways firm Munnich Projekt.

In a statement, chairman Alan Thomas said the firm was looking to expand further this year. He said: "We are pursuing further infill acquisitions in our existing territories and market sectors. In particular, we are seeking to build scale and achieve critical mass in Germany, Hong Kong and China."