DWF has advised the major shareholders of HTSPE Limited, a leading international consultancy company specialising in development and programme management, on its sale to DAI Europe Limited, a global development company with corporate headquarters in London and Washington.

The deal bolsters DAI's European business as HTSPE is currently implementing 200 projects around the world for clients such as the UK Department for International Development, EuropeAid and the World Bank, in technical areas including climate change, land tenure, governance and education.

As part of the deal DAI Europe Ltd owns all the shares of HTSPE and as a member of the DAI group, HTSPE will continue to do business under its current name and under the direction of HTSPE Managing Director Christopher Lockett, who will report to DAI Senior Vice President Julian Lob-Levyt.

David Timmins, Executive Chairman at HTSPE, commented: "In DAI we have found a growth-orientated partner with a strikingly similar culture based on professional excellence, uncompromising integrity and a commitment to make the world a better place."

Stephen Houston, national head of corporate at DWF, led the deal and commented: "This strategic acquisition will further enhance DAI's European business, bringing it to a scale that offers significant benefits and complementary capabilities to the company's core clients."

Darren Ormsby, senior solicitor in the corporate team at DWF, supported Stephen on the deal.