Scott Wilson Plc has expanded its business with the acquisition of a civil engineering specialist that lists the Taiwan High Speed Rail Project, Macau’s Venetian Casino and Kincardine Bridge in Scotland as examples of its work.

The design and engineering consultancy has bought Benaim Enterprise as part of its strategy of enhancing its built environment operations.

Benaim, a Mauritius-registered civil, structural and geotechnical consultancy, will cost £5.5 million, with some £2.9 million in cash paid on completion with £900,000 due at a later date.

Under the terms of the agreement, the vendors will receive loan notes worth £1.65 million, which will be converted into ordinary shares 18 months following completion.

Scott Wilson executive chairman Geoff French said this is the second acquisition in this strategy following the takeover of Terence Lee. “In addition to its strong geotechnical and civil skills, and the benefits these bring for the metro market, Benaim also brings considerable expertise in major bridges for road and rail.”

London-based Scott Wilson has more than 6,000 employees in 80 offices across the UK, China, Hong Kong, India, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Southern Africa focusing on the built and natural environments.

Benaim was founded in 1980 and has operations in London, Bath and Hong Kong. In the year to October 2007, it reported a £1.1 million pre-tax profit on revenues of £5.56 million.

Scott Wilson and Benaim have worked together on previous projects, such as the East London Line and Malaysia’s KLIA Express Rail Link.