The agreed cash offer was confirmed in statement to the Dutch stock exchange on Thursday morning.

ARCADIS said the deal “will be able to achieve significant revenue and cost synergies including savings through the use of global design excellence centres.”

Neil McArthur, Chief Executive Officer of ARCADIS said: “Hyder is a unique company with a long history of being involved in the leading edge of design and engineering.

“Through the transaction we see an excellent opportunity to better serve our clients by further deepening our capabilities in global design and engineering in growth markets whilst creating exciting career opportunities afforded by a stronger global growth platform for staff in both companies.

“The transaction will create value for ARCADIS shareholders by accelerating our sustainable growth strategy and through the synergy opportunities that arise from the combination.”

Ivor Catto , Chief Executive of Hyder said: “ ARCADIS’ recommended cash offer announced today represents a significant premium to Hyder’s current share price.

“Although the Board believes that Hyder has a strong future as an independent business, it considers that this cash offer substantially recognises Hyder’s growth prospects, and provides certainty, in cash, to our shareholders today.

“The resultant group should also provide further opportunities for our highly valued clients and staff”

The £6.50 a share offer values Hyder at £256.2m and represents a 40% premium on Hyder’s closing share price last night.

Hyder currently employs 4,000 staff globally while ARCADIS has 22,000.

The deal follows AECOM’s acquisition of rival URS for £2.3bn earlier this month.