Mace, the UK's largest independent project management group, has bought one of its main rivals, Manchester-based C2C.
The firm said the acquisition would enable it to develop its urban regeneration and regional businesses.

Mace did not say what the deal was worth.

C2C will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Mace, but will trade under its current name as part of the group.

Ethically, culturally and geographically, it is a perfect fit

Bob White, chairman and chief executive, Mace

Managing director Joe Summerhill and directors Richard Bannister, Clive Humphries and Gordon Blair are staying with C2C and have signed contracts locking them into their jobs. Summerhill and Bannister have previously worked for Mace.

Rodney Anderson, former managing director of Amec Construction, is to join Mace's main board as a non-executive director and will have specific responsibilities for integrating C2C into the group.