Consultant Turner & Townsend has merged its Australian business with Australian firm Rawlinsons, creating one of the country’s largest management consultancies

Turner & Townsend Rawlinsons will expand Turner & Townsend’s reach beyond engineering, mining and energy into the traditional construction sectors. The firm also plans to offer additional services, including project management and a PPP/PFI consultancy.

The company will operate from eight offices and will employ 120 staff. Harry Carrick, formerly managing director of Rawlinsons, becomes managing director.

Carrick predicted that the merger would present few difficulties. He said: “Our vision, values and business approach are already closely aligned, which will result in a seamless integration.

“All clients will benefit by having access to a wider pool of talent, knowledge and resources as we deliver to best-practice international standards across a range of services, including project control, cost management and contract services.”

Turner & Townsend Rawlinsons will work across a wide range of sectors, including commercial, residential, retail, government, oil and gas and infrastructure.

Clients include federal and state governments, airline Qantas, Sydney airport and National Australia Bank.

Our vision, values and business approach are already closely aligned

Harry Carrick, managing director

Tim Wray, chairman of Turner & Townsend, said: “The company is unique in that it brings to the Australian market for the first time the capability under one business to offer services both in our existing sectors and in the more traditional building and construction sectors.”

The merger comes as Turner & Townsend attempts to strengthen its presence in South-east Asia with the appointment of a regional director, David Hancox.

Hancox, who has 20 years’ experience in construction and management consultancy, will take responsibility for the energy division of the regional business.

Hancox was formerly resident manager for Hanscomb Consultants in Abu Dhabi.

Wray said that the merger would pave the way for the company to expand its international operations. He said: “The merger strongly supports our strategy for international growth and provides further expertise and capability to support our expanding businesses in China and South-east Asia.”