Atkins buys IT programme manager Mantix for £8.75m

Multi-discplinary group Atkins has bought Mantix Group, a specialist programme management consultancy, for £8.75m in cash. Mantix specialises in helping clients make major investments in technology and business change. Its clients include central government departments.

The acquisition of the 60-strong firm came as Atkins posted overall pre-tax profits of £72m on turnover of £1.4bn for the year to 31 March. The firm's managment and project service arm, which includes Faithful + Gould, saw turnover rise 13% to £171m and operating profit jump 50% to £13.9m.

In a statement the company said F+G had an "excellent year" with improved margins due to more selective bidding and imporoved utilisation of staff. It added that prospects for the division were good, including new opportunities for redeveloped train stations, consultancy on expansions of regional airports and health and education work.