A Cumbrian chartered surveyors practice has been acquired by a Scottish firm.
Hyde Harrington, which has offices in Carlisle and Kendal, has become part of DM Hall.
Directors and staff of Hyde Harrington, established in 1994, will remain in post and the firm will eventually be rebranded.
The agreed acquisition is the first step in in a growth strategy that will see DM Hall continue to actively seek further opportunities in the North of England and beyond, it said.
Alan Gordon, senior partner at DM Hall, said: “This historic initiative for our firm will take us over the border for the first time and will help us identify new geographical areas to serve beyond our traditional Scottish heartlands.
“It is a logical step for us to look for further growth opportunities beyond Scotland, where we already have a strong presence and a respectable market share in most areas of the country, and where we have successfully grown and diversified significantly in recent years.
“Hyde Harrington is a highly respected professional firm which, under the leadership of directors Scott Harrington, Paul Evans, and Charles Metcalf, has established an impressive footprint and reputation across the North of England and South West Scotland.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with one of the dominant players in the region and with a team which not only shares our values but also has similar ambitions for growth.”
Mr Harrington said: “This alliance with DM Hall, one of Scotland’s largest and most respected independent firms, is an excellent fit for Hyde Harrington. I have no doubt we will be able to benefit from its established infrastructure and provide an even more comprehensive service to clients.
DM Hall, established in 1897, has 23 offices across Scotland.