Balfour Beatty, an engineering construction, services and investment group, has bought US firm Douglas E Barnhart from its management.

The deal, which was completed through Heery International, Balfour Beatty’s US professional and technical services business, was worth $116 million (£59.4 million) and paid in cash funded from the company’s existing resources.

Barnhart, a construction company focusing on supporting the education sector, will continue to be led by its management team, which includes its president, director of operations and head of business development.

Balfour Beatty chief executive Ian Tyler said the acquisition enhances its presence in and the US’ education market and in California, where it already has civil engineering and construction project management operations.

Barnhart is based in San Diego and employs 450 people. Its clients include San Diego State University, California State University, Pasadena City College and San Diego Lindbergh Field Airport.