Hardies expands north with Christie acquisition

HARDIES, the Edinburgh-based property and construction consultancy, yesterday bought a "considerable stake" in a Dundee-based rival for an undisclosed sum.

Owner David Adam and the other nine staff at WJR Christie & Partners will stay with the firm, which is expected to relocate to a modern office in Dundee.

The takeover is part of Hardies strategy to move into Tayside and Grampian, extending its reach from its ten offices in the Central Belt and Fife. The Dundee branch will continue to trade under the Christie brand.

Derek Ferrier, Hardies' managing partner, said: "Despite the current economic conditions, the Hardies Partnership see this merger as another important and strategic move in the development of the firm both in terms of new clients and opening up opportunities in Tayside and Grampian for a wider range of professional services."

Hardies, which has around 80 staff, was founded in 1913.