Dutch engineering consultant Arcadis is to buy built asset consultancy EC Harris to create a Euro 2.3 billion consultancy of almost 19,000 professionals. EC Harris head of residential and regeneration and Housebuilder magazine columnist Richard Jones told Housebuilder: "The fit is fantastic with both parties bringing complementary skills, geography and capacity. It enables us to invest in the research and innovation that I have championed for quite a while." EC Harris ceo Philip Youell said that the deal will accelerate the firm's plans for growth. "The demand from our clients is such that we recognised that we needed to grow and develop internationally at a much faster rate than we are currently doing," he said. "(This deal means) we now have the strength and intention to invest and further develop a leading global built asset consultancy position." The deal will see Arcadis take full ownership of EC Harris in return for 3 million shares and an undisclosed cash sum.