Hyder Consulting has bought quantity surveyor RPA for 拢2.8m.

The acquisition of the Cardiff-based firm will boost Hyder鈥檚 strength in the property sector, where it does not currently have a strong presence.

Ian Parfitt and Nick Soady, the partners in RPA, will remain with the company. Tim Wade, Hyder鈥檚 chief executive, said: 鈥淩PA is in line with our acquisition strategy of finding high-quality, high value, specialist companies that will increase our skill base and introduce us to new markets."

RPA was established in 1992. It provides cost consultancy and services in the property sector. It had a pre-tax profit of 拢550,000 for the year ended 30 April 2006.