Consultant reveals plans to buy firm with strong project management focus

The consultant has revealed that it wants to take over a company with a strong focus on project management.

Jonathan Goring, an executive director, said: “I can confirm that we want to acquire, and we’re looking at the top 10.”

He added that although things were at an early stage, initial contact has been made with some companies. He would not be drawn on which ones, but it is understood that Turner & Townsend, EC Harris and Currie & Brown are among the favourites.

EC Harris confirmed that it had been approached, but said talks were not continuing.

Turner & Townsend and Currie & Brown declined to comment.

Capita Symonds is the fourth largest consultant in the UK behind Atkins, Mott MacDonald and EC Harris. It is known for its expertise in civil engineering and was one of the consultants selected by the Highways Agency for its building programme.

The role of Capita Symonds, along with 14 other companies, is to project and cost manage capital road schemes worth more than £5m.

The group was also part of the Legacy consortium that bid for the Olympics delivery partnership role last year.

Although the team was unsuccessful, the company has staff working alongside the Olympic Delivery Authority in a sponsorship role on the aquatics centre.