Hyder Consulting has bought quantity surveyor RPA for £2.8m.

The acquisition of the Cardiff-based firm will boost Hyder’s strength in the property sector, where it does not currently have a strong presence.

Ian Parfitt and Nick Soady, the partners in RPA, will remain with the company. Tim Wade, Hyder’s chief executive, said: “RPA is in line with our acquisition strategy of finding high-quality, high value, specialist companies that will increase our skill base and introduce us to new markets."

RPA was established in 1992. It provides cost consultancy and project management services in the property sector. It had a pre-tax profit of £550,000 for the year ended 30 April 2006.