Mott MacDonald has acquired AWT Water, a water technology and consulting company based in New Zealand and Australia.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by Mott MacDonald in the statement announcing the deal to purchase the water-technology specialist that has offices in Auckland and Melbourne.

Keith Howells, Mott MacDonald chairman, stated:

AWT adds a strong water capability to our existing New Zealand business in buildings and transport as part of our strategy to build a multi-sector business. It strengthens our water expertise in Australia and throughout the region. AWT's specialist focus on the science and technology of water also enhances Mott MacDonald's technical edge for the benefit of projects worldwide.

Steve Coupe, AWT executive director, stated:

Becoming part of a global company is great news for our staff and our clients. There will be opportunities for our team to work on challenging agenda setting projects and our clients will benefit from the international knowledge, experience and expertise the Group possesses. It provides us with a fantastic platform to expand our services and the business in the region.

AWT has provided science and engineering based services across the water sector for over 20 years. It employs about 50 engineers and scientists in its offices in Auckland and Melbourne. The services AWT offers span the entire project cycle, including collection, conveyance, treatment, reuse and residuals incorporating water, wastewater and storm water. Core services include network monitoring, project planning and management, modelling, design, commissioning and optimisation.

Mott MacDonald has worked in New Zealand and Australia for over 40 years, providing leading edge services in areas as diverse as buildings, transport, water and public private partnerships. The consultancy is currently providing station design, fire and life safety, operations, rail systems and pedestrian modelling for the Auckland City Rail Link. It is also building engineering for the Carlaw Park redevelopment and University of Auckland School of Science building, and was technical advisor for the NZ$4-5 billion additional Waitemata Harbour Crossing combined tunnel feasibility study.