With around 150 employees, HOE specializes in the design of deepwater floating production platforms and has an international client list. In 2013, the firm reported revenues of $41m.

The acquisition is in line with Atkins strategy grow its energy business, a key sector focus area, said Atkins’ chief executive officer, Uwe Krueger.

Professor Krueger added: “As the oil and gas industry continues to look for ways to access more challenging deepwater oil reserves there is a high demand for advanced, multidisciplinary engineering skills. HOE brings exceptional expertise and an outstanding reputation to our existing business in this market. We now have around 1,000 oil and gas specialists drawing on technical excellence from our regional operations worldwide.”