Historic Edinburgh-based quantity surveying firm Morham + Brotchie acquired by English peer

A historic Scottish quantity surveying firm that has worked on a wealth of high-profile visitor attractions north of the Border including Johnnie Walker Princes Street in its native Edinburgh been snapped up by an English peer.

Cumbria-headquartered, family-owned A. Lamb Associates (ALA) has bought quantity surveying (QS) and cost consultancy Morham + Brotchie (M+B) in a deal expected to scale the capabilities of each firm on both sides of the Border. Scottish legal firm Morton Fraser provided legal advice to M+B’s shareholders regarding the deal, terms of which have not been disclosed.

M+B can trace its roots back to 1876, was re-established in 1990, and is described as being known for its depth of expertise in traditional building and complex one-off projects, with clients including National Museums of Scotland; Scottish Historic Buildings Trust; Historic Royal Palaces; The Royal Household and National Trust for Scotland. Major projects it has been involved with also include The Queen’s Gallery in Edinburgh, for the Royal Household; the National Museum of Flight; Gala Fairydean Stadium; Lindores Abbey Distillery; and the Robert Burns Museum.

The acquisition will see ALA’s Byron Tyson and Tom Lamb become directors of M+B, whilst the existing leadership team is being retained. Alan Harper has been promoted to chairman of the Scottish firm, and David Anderson takes on the role of MD, while Ewan Slight and Euan Watson will continue in their director roles, in a structure that gives M+B “greater resources and capabilities”.

From left: Ewan Slight, Alan Harper, Byron Tyson and Tom Lamb. Picture: Andy Buchanan/UNP.

Mr Harper, chairman at M+B Partners, said: “We’ve been familiar with the team at ALA for some time, and have always valued the synergy and cultural alignments between our two organisations. Our shared values made taking this step feel natural for both parties, and it represents an opportunity for two well-established QS consultancies to share best practice, develop talent and provide market-leading services to our clients. The future is bright."

Watershed

Mr Lamb, MD at ALA, said: "We’re naturally hugely excited by the acquisition of M+B, as it represents a real watershed moment for both companies. It takes us to a collective of over 50 exceptional staff, and is another milestone on our ALA25 business plan, as we work towards our goal of a 100-strong team. Our objective is to create a stronger and better business that is the market leader in our chosen sectors. We now look forward to taking this well-established business with a long history to the wider market, working with the existing management team on this exciting new chapter.”

He also thanked Lancashire-based law firm Napthens, and other advisors, for its role in advising ALA on the deal. Richard Robinson, corporate partner at Napthens, said the transaction “marks the start of a new era” for the Cumbria business. “We are delighted to have helped them continue to build on their already impressive reputation with an exciting acquisition,” he added.

ALA was established in 1996, and says it has grown from its roots in the oil and gas pipeline sector to offer commercial services across the construction industry. Significant projects include the Khazzan gas pipeline project in Oman, Thirlmere Link water pipeline in Cumbria, Runcorn Energy from Waste Plant, Windermere Boat Museum, and the Baltic Pipe project in Denmark.