A Birmingham property practice has been acquired by global group Artelia.
Austin Newport Group, which is based in Edgbaston, is a quantity surveying firm specialising in complex heritage building projects.
It has been bought out by Artelia, the global project management, engineering and consultancy business based in Paris.
Artelia, whose UK office is in London where it has 105 staff, is 100 per cent owned by its employees and operates in more than 30 countries worldwide.
Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Austin Newport Group was originally formed as a chartered quantity surveying practice by John Austin and Gary Newport in 1987 and now comprises three core divisions, offering chartered quantity surveying, management contracting and insurance recovery services.
It has worked on more than 1,000 heritage building projects over the last 30 years, ranging in value from £250,000 to £20 million.
It was recently appointed to work on extensive projects at St Bart's Hospital, Blenheim Palace and the Houses of Parliament and counts renowned buildings such as the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace among its previous projects.
Following the buyout deal, the company will continue to operate from its base in Edgbaston where it has 25 staff.
Mr Newport said: "We are very pleased to have concluded a deal with Artelia.
"To be part of a much larger international business is an exciting opportunity, with a shared culture and ethos that offers enhanced career opportunities to our people.
"Artelia is a recognised global brand that will enhance our credibility and depth and provide an improved service offering to our clients.
"A London base will ensure we are in close proximity to major loss adjusters, insurers and other important clients and provides a stronger platform from which to grow."
Mark Day, managing director of Artelia UK, added: "Austin Newport Group is a hugely respected and well-established business within what is a highly complex and specialised field.
"The company has developed a strong client portfolio, built largely on its reputation for service excellence and the experience, knowledge and capability of its people.
"This acquisition will enable Artelia UK to integrate a full range of professional services in the historic sector, with a Birmingham office giving us access to untapped markets in the Midlands and the North."
