The engineering and project management firm said it would purchase the 20-person consultant based in Montreal, whose specialisms include dam design, permafrost foundations and mine tailings management.

The deal is expected to complete later this month, at which time £1.6m will be paid, with the balance payable within a year.

Amec said: “The acquisition is consistent with Amec's strategy of geographic and capability expansion in the earth and environmental division and follows 10 other acquisitions in this division since January 2007.”