Quoted architect SMC has bought Ian Penrose Architects and Covell Matthews, taking its number of acquisitions to six.

Ian Penrose, which operates in the South-west, made a £700,000-tax profit on a £1.5m turnover in the year ended 30 June 2005. Its clients include Kier, ROK, Redrow, Norwich Union and British Gas.

Covell Matthews will increase SMC's presence in the east of England, East Anglia and the Home Counties. In the financial year to 30 April 2005, Covell made a £500,000 profit on a £1.8m turnover. Its clients include Amec and Cambridge University. SMC paid £4m for the two businesses.

Recently SMC was appointed by Land Securities Trillium to work on its bid for Leeds council's £250m Building Schools for the Future project.