West Midlands-based engineering and manufacturing specialist Jonathan Lee Recruitment has acquired PHDS of Leicester.

PHDS had been servicing the infrastructure and transportation sectors - major clients include Transport for London - from its office in Upminster, Essex.

This office will close and combine with Lee’s Basildon office. PHDS’ business, outside of infrastructure and transportation, will be rebranded as Lee.

Jonathan Lee, chairman of the acquiring company, said he had “strategically targeted” these areas for expansion.

Both Lee and PHDS were established in 1978. About 110 people work at the combined group. It will now have four offices: Leicester, Leeds, Stourbridge and Basildon.