Two of the world’s leading construction consultancies, both over a hundred years’ old, are to merge, creating a new international group with 1500 staff and offices in almost 50 countries.

Currie & Brown will join forces with Widnell to trade as Currie & Brown Widnell in the UK. Outside the UK, the two firms have entered into exclusive arrangements and are discussing further integration through the purchase of equity or a share swap.

"Already our two organisations have seen the value of this merger," said Terry Guy, MD of Widnell, "and we are currently working together on a number of joint projects in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. I believe the synergy between our two companies will reinforce our position as a truly worldwide player."

The skills of the merging companies are complementary. Widnell has a track record in the construction sector, with particular expertise in the health, leisure and education industries. The consultancy’s clients include the Arts Council, the Open University and the Foreign Office. Currie & Brown has built its reputation in the industrial and engineering sectors, specialising in high-tech, oil, gas and process industries, working for companies such as BP, Shell and Intel. It has also linked with Ernst & Young to provide advice on PFI projects to both clients and providers.

Both companies have been growing their building surveying, construction and property related management consultancy divisions. The merger should accelerate this activity.

Currie & Brown, formed in 1876, has 800 staff and bases in 18 countries. The 700 staff at Widnell, established in 1852, operate from a network of 47 offices in 31 countries.

Doug Leedham, Chairman of Currie & Brown (pictured), commented: Our expanding client base wants us to provide our services in as many countries as possible. The global spread that we have achieved through this merger gives us a tremendous advantage over our competitors."

Richard Byatt