Consultant plans expansion into China with aquisition of Hong Kong-based Widnell

Cyril Sweett has bought Hong Kong-based quantity surveying firm Widnell, the third largest QS in the Asia Pacific region.

Cyrill Sweet has agreed to pay a maximum of 拢5.4m for shares and a 鈥渇urther sum in recompense for a proportion of net assets鈥. Widnell鈥檚 proft after tax for the year up to 28 February 2010 was 拢1.4m, with a turnover of 拢9m. The firm has subsidiaries across China and employs nearly 400 people.

Dean Webster, chief executive of Cyril Sweett, said: 鈥淐hina provides a key growth opportunity for the group and Widnell Sweett provides the group with the means to unlock that market.鈥

鈥淭he Group鈥檚 strategy is to diversify the business across territories and sectors that are forecast to grow, whilst consolidating our presence where the business has a market-leading position. We are delighted that this deal fits squarely in line with our strategy鈥

The two firms entered an alliance in March, creating a joint venture named Widnell Sweett.