Finland-based global consulting and engineering firm Poyry has expanded its management consulting services portfolio and its market presence in the energy industry by acquiring Norway's ECON Analyse. Once complete, the acquisition will strengthen Poyry's position as one of Europe's leading energy management consultants, employing 250 experts.

<p>ECON&#0039;s main operational bases are in Oslo and Stavanger, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden, and Copenhagen, Denmark, and it is well established in all of its markets. The closure of the transaction is still subject to the approval of the competition authorities, but ECON will be consolidated into Poyry as of September 1, 2007.<br /><br />ECON is a leading Nordic economic consulting firm, providing research, analysis and strategic advice relating to the interaction of markets and policies. In addition to consulting assignments, ECON offers a set of subscription services related to energy and carbon markets, and manages multi-client and scenario studies.<br /><br />ECON, which had net sales of E13 million in 2006, also arranges discussion forums where policy makers and industry leaders meet. The firm employs 85 experts. ECON&#0039;s entire business will be continued and its senior management and key resources will take leading positions within Poyry&#0039;s energy consulting business.<br /><br />Kurt Bobst, president of the management consulting business area at Poyry, said: The two leading consulting companies will create the undisputed number one consulting company in Europe for the energy market. Furthermore, we expand our position in the public sector and in major emerging markets. This joining of forces strengthens the existing relationships with our clients and we can deliver value across a wider portfolio of services.</p>