WINCHESTER based regional property firm Dreweatt Neate has snapped up long-time collaborator Sutton Griffin Architects.

The two firms have worked together on a series of major projects, but hope a formal tie-up will help them go to "new and national" locations.

Sutton Griffin, which is based in Newbury and counts the likes of Vodafone, Standard Life and Waitrose among its clients, will keep its own identity under the deal.

Dreweatt Neate's roots can be traced back as far as 1759 when Thomas Davis traded as a valuer and auctioneer. Today the firm has 16 offices with 27 partners and more than 250 staff.

Managing partner, Richard Liddiard, said: "This is a great addition to our firm and one which makes strategic and commercial sense because of the close fit in terms of services, client base, service philosophy and business culture.

"Dreweatt Neate and Sutton Griffin have worked together on many projects including, most recently, the newly completed refurbishment of the Camp Hopson department store in Newbury, Donnington Grove Hotel and Country Club and Purley Park in Reading. It makes good business sense to build on an already very successful collaboration."

Sutton Griffin managing director Patrick Griffin said: "Two firms of outstanding reputation and longevity have come together to offer a new kind of integrated service for the future."