GLOBAL engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services firm GHD has increased its UK presence by merging with GHA Livigunn, a multi-disciplinary consulting engineering business.

GHD, which has UK offices at York Science Park, and in Londonm, will see 160 people added to its team through the merger, as well as a network of regional offices in Cheadle, Frodsham, Sutton Weaver, Leeds and St Albans.

GHA Livigunn, which has offices in Leeds, serves the water, energy, waste, buildings and transport markets. It also operates in the buildings sector, trading as BSCP.

Christian Hunt and Alex Birch of York-based Langleys Solicitors advised GHD on the deal.

John Dutton, GHD’s UK Director, said: "This merger provides the critical mass to realise our strategic vision to expand our UK capabilities and geographical spread.

"GHA Livigunn’s capabilities complement our existing skills and resources in the UK, enabling the combined business to deliver a range of services across the five global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation."

Christian Hunt, partner at Langleys Solicitors, said: "GHD has demonstrated clear management direction and a focused growth strategy over the last few years.

"This transaction will help GHD continue to achieve those aims and enhance its service offering. The deal with GHA Livigunn, alongside others that we have advised on recently, offers clear evidence that the corporate M&A market is in excellent health."