The takeover of Pick Everad, which employs over 700 staff, will take Artelia’s UK workforce to almost 1,000 staff following smaller acquisition of Birmingham’s Austin Newport Group in 2020, and Suffolk-based Castons last March.

For £70m turnover Pick Everard joining Artelia presents the opportunity to expand into new activities and markets.

The Artelia Group now has over 9,700 staff worldwide and now ranks as one of Europe’s top 10 engineering companies.

Artelia’s chief executive officer Benoît Clocheret said: “This external growth operation is fully in line with Artelia’s strategy to develop at a sustained pace in order to reinforce its position as a multidisciplinary leader on the international scene.

“By joining forces with Pick Everard, we broaden our skills in architecture and design engineering and strengthen our foothold in the UK, where we have already been present for over 20 years.

“With its solid economy and strong engineering culture, the UK market offers real growth prospects, whether in healthcare, infrastructure or industry.”

Duncan Green, chief executive officer of Pick Everard, said: “The strategic alignment of the two businesses will further enhance Pick Everard’s well-established position, providing the foundation for further growth and success, through diversification of our offer, and access to new clients and markets within the UK and abroad.”