The move will see WSP’s global workforce of 57,500 boosted by Oxfordshire headquartered RPS’s 5,000 staff.

RPS employs consultants, designers, planners, engineers, and technical specialists across the world providing specialist services to government and private sector clients with a focus on front-end consulting.

Ken Lever, Chairman of RPS, said: “The RPS Directors believe that RPS has a clear strategy and is strongly positioned for the future, underpinned by favourable trends in its end markets and the benefits that are starting to flow from investments in RPS’ talent programme, brand, marketing strategy and technology initiatives.

“However, this is a compelling offer from WSP which fully values the business and its future prospects.

“It represents a highly attractive premium to recent trading levels and provides certain value in cash today for RPS Shareholders.

“The RPS Directors also believe that the acquisition will provide career opportunities for our employees within the enlarged WSP Group as well as access to a comprehensive and expanded service offering for our clients.”

Alexandre J. L’Heureux, President and CEO of WSP Global, said: “Combining the capabilities of the RPS Group and the WSP Group is strategically compelling and will allow us to leverage our collective know-how and provide a broader range of complementary services to our clients while building a world-class ESG advisory business.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the RPS Group’s talented employees and believe they will benefit from the expanded career and development opportunities this acquisition will bring the employees of both firms.”