Under the deal with the firm, which offers on-site service solutions from food services to construction management, a further conditional £0.5m will be deferred.

David Tonkin, UK managing director, said:  “Our asset management business provides property management services which have operated alongside Atkins’ core businesses of engineering design consultancy.

“We have for some time believed that this business would be best developed through integration with a company dedicated to on-site service solutions.

“We are therefore delighted that Sodexo will continue to develop this business under its brand.”

Sean Haley, who has led Atkins’ UK asset management business for the past seven years, will become chief operating officer of Sodexo Corporate Services Integrated Facilities Management.