UK and US-based Nautilus services the oil and gas industry by running courses on subjects such as geophysics and geology.

As part of the deal, RPS will pay an initial £10.6 million. Further sums of £2.8 million, £2.7 million and £2.6 million, respectively, will be paid on the three anniversaries of the transaction, subject to performance targets being met.

Alan Hearne, chief executive of RPS comments: ‘The acquisition of Nautilus extends the capability of our energy business into another related growth market.

‘We see significant opportunity for Nautilus to benefit from the extensive connections RPS has in this sector.’

As part of the deal, the founder and joint owner of Nautilus will remain with RPS after the transaction.