Bristol-based engineering design, energy and sustainability consultancy Hydrock has made its fourth acquisition in just over a year – this time snapping up a niche transport planning and infrastructure consultancy.
Fore Consulting, founded in 2011 and based in Leeds, Newcastle and London, has a 20-strong team led by experienced directors who are leading practitioners in transport advice. 
Hydrock said the business had a well-established relationship with high-profile public and private sector clients, and would add “enviable strength and depth” to its existing expertise in its transport planning team.
In January Hydrock, which employs more than 900 people in it nine offices across the UK, took over sensor technology specialist SPLtrack.
Based near Leicester, SPLtrack works with clients such as Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix, and MSV, which owns Brands Hatch and Donington Park motor racing circuits.
That followed its takeover and integration last year of Newcastle and Wakefield-based civil engineering, geo-environmental and structural engineering consultancy 3E and Worcestershire-based structural and civil engineering practice CDP.
Hydrock said Fore shared a complementary innovative space to Hydrock, leading the way with evidence-based advanced transport modelling tools to develop effective, cost-efficient, innovative solutions for individual junctions and complex signal-controlled networks, as well as whole towns and cities.
Hydrock CEO Dr Brian McConnell said: “Working with Fore is another step forward in reinforcing our reputation for providing leading edge technical consultancy that delivers clear advice and successful outcomes for our clients and partners.
“It was easy to see how our collaborative approach will lead to holistic solutions that will benefit our clients.”
Fore’s directors added: “From the beginning, we identified a strong cultural fit with Hydrock.
“Not only do we share a similar ethos when it comes to social value and ESG, but we also appreciate the importance of keeping our finger on the pulse, using technology to advance informed decision making for the benefit of our client community and the environment.”
Financial details of the Fore acquisition have not been disclosed.
