Atkins' £2.5m bid to boost nuclear power role

BRISTOL engineering consultancy Atkins has bought a rival for £2.5 million.

It has bought MG Bennett, which has 30 staff and is based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. The company specialises in mechanical and structural engineering and has a strong track record in working with the nuclear industry.

MG Bennett has developed particular expertise in lifting and handling nuclear-related materials and has a strong track record in the design of piping, pressure vessels, bespoke mechanical equipment and large moveable structures.

In addition to its nuclear expertise, the company works within the aerospace, oil and gas, power, environmental and rail sectors. MG Bennett has worked on high- profile projects such as the Channel Tunnel, the Falkirk Wheel, the Forth Road Bridge and Airbus A380.

Atkins currently has more than 250 staff working across the nuclear industry and supports its clients in the areas of decommissioning, generation and the new-build programme.

Chris Ball, director of the nuclear business at Atkins, said: "This acquisition strengthens our business as we seek to enhance our offering in the mechanical design sector and to ensure we have the skills in place to respond to increased demand in the new build, decommissioning and generation markets. We're pleased to welcome the MG Bennett team and look forward to working with them."

Nick Cooper, managing director and a founding partner of MG Bennett, added: "We are really proud of what we have achieved as a business and becoming part of Atkins allows our staff to unleash their full potential. I look forward to working with the teams in Atkins."