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Tropus, the multidisciplinary consultant that was sold by McBains Cooper 10 years ago, is to merge with rival Spicer Partnership to create a 拢4m turnover practice.

The combined firm, to be named Tropus & Spicer, is the latest example of consolidation among consultants. In August, QSs Boxall Sayer, Denley King and Fletcher McNeill combined to form Baqus, which is due to list on the alternative investment market this month. White Young Green and AYH are among other firms involved in takeovers as smaller consultancies find it increasingly difficult to compete for work.

Tropus & Spicer will be led by Francis McPeake (pictured), a director of Tropus. The firm will form part of the Guildhouse Group, Tropus鈥� parent company, led by David Hudson as chief executive.

Bill Hallett, senior partner at Spicer Partnership, will be a director of the merged business, along with four others from across the practices.

The combined company will have a presence across the education, residential, retail and public sectors.

McPeake said: 鈥淭his is a real change for both companies. As a larger organisation we will be able to compete for a wider range of projects while retaining a hands-on management style.鈥�

Tropus & Spicer will be double the size of the independent businesses.

Tropus hit the headlines in 2001 for walking away from its role as project manager on Wembley, a decision that cost it 拢3m.