JR Knowles' board accepts £7m takeover by Hill

Construction consultant and legal specialist Hill International has made a recommended offer for construction dispute firm J R Knowles.

The 33 pence per share offer, made by wholly owned Hill subsidiary Hill International SA, values the firm at £7m. The offer has been unanimously recommended by the Knowles board.

Hill chairman and chief executive officer Irvin E Richter said: "I believe that the combination of Hill and Knowles will create one of the most pre-eminent consultancies in the world focused on helping clients avoid and resolve construction claims and disputes.

Richter also said that the acquisition would provide Hill's project management operation with additional professional resources and a wider geographic presence.

He said: "I am convinced this will help further Hill's development into one of the leading construction project management firms in the world”.

Hill was founded in 1976 and offers project management and construction claims services worldwide. The firm has more than 1000 employees in 26 offices worldwide.