Global consultant says the acquisition is part of a strategy to become a world leading energy consultant

Engineering giant Atkins has announced it will buy US consultant Nuclear Safety Associates.

The 130-strong consultant specialises in technical engineering, professional security and design engineering services for the nuclear sector.

The deal is subject to US government approval.

Atkins did not say how much it had paid for the firm but in a statement to the City it said the acquisition was 鈥渋n line with our strategy to be one of the world鈥檚 leading energy consultancies鈥.

It added: 鈥淣uclear Safety Associates will both enhance the capability of the Group鈥檚 energy business and provide NSA the opportunity to expand its well established project and client base in the US nuclear market.鈥