Balfour Beatty has bought Hampshire-based Dean & Dyball for £45 million. Image courtesy of Balfour Beatty Ltd.

Looking to strengthen its civil engineering presence in the south of England, Balfour Beatty, the international engineering, construction, services and investment group, has purchased Dean & Dyball, the civil engineering and building contractor for a cash consideration of approximately £45 million.

Chief Executive Ian Tyler said: “The acquisition of Dean & Dyball is the latest stage in our strategy of building leading positions in regional UK civil engineering and building markets following the successful acquisition and integration of Mansell, Birse and Cowlin.

“This transaction establishes a strong civil engineering base in an area where we currently have only a limited presence and adds further capability in the building sector.”

Founded in 1969, Hampshire-based Dean & Dyball initially focused on the water utilities, marine and coastal sectors. This was extended in the 1970s to include commercial and industrial building for the private sector and river and highway works for the public sector.

In the year to 30 September 2007, it had a turnover of £262 million and a pre-tax profit of £4.5m. Net assets for the year were £18.4m and included £8.6m of net cash and £11.25m of freehold and long leasehold properties.