The Scotsman

Acquisition-hungry London architecture group SMC expects to own more Scottish firms by the end of this year. Its chief executive, Stewart McColl, said yesterday the company was in negotiations with "a few" Scottish architecture practices at the moment, but declined to say whether he was meeting prospective targets. He continued: "We not finished buying businesses in Scotland and I would envisage having at least one more before the end of the year." In September the firm revealed a dramatic entry into the Scottish market, buying four firms based north of the Border which collectively employed more than 80 architects. It claimed the deal, which could cost up to £20 million if growth targets are met, made it the largest employer of architects in Scotland. Since listing on AIM less than 18 months ago, SMC has acquired 12 architectural firms.