ENGINEERING and project management firm Amec has formally joined forces with Foster Wheeler in a deal involving two major players in the UK's oil and gas sector.

The combined Amec Foster Wheeler has more than 40,000 staff worldwide and an order book worth £6.3 billion. It comes after a deal was announced in January for Amec to buy Foster Wheeler for £2bn.

AMEC employs around 3,500 people in Scotland across offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Foster Wheeler is also a significant employer with sites in Aberdeen and Glasgow.

Amec chief executive Samir Brikho will lead the enlarged group.