Watertown-based planning, design and engineering firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. (VHB) has acquired MSCW, an Orlando, Fla.-based planning and engineering firm.

Both companies have been in business for more than 25 years. The merged companies will be doing business in Florida as VHB MillerSellen. VHB plans to keep its offices in the Bay State and headquarters at 101 Walnut St. in Watertown, according to a spokeswoman.

The acquisition is in response to growth opportunities and the improving economic climate in Florida, said VHB’s Southeast Regional Manager Michael J. Carragher.

"VHB is bullish on Florida," Carragher said. "This is a result of the long-term growth strategy that VHB has put in place in our top markets. We sought the right firm with strong leadership, project innovation and similar values. In Florida, we found this with MSCW."

Steve Miller, founder and CEO of MSCW, said both firms adapted their focuses to provide services needed in Florida’s modified economy. As a result, VHB and MSCW ended up teaming up on several projects.

"Our firms began working together in 2008 and recognized a synergy we just couldn’t ignore," Miller said. He noted the firms already are working jointly on major projects such as a high-speed rail station and corridor, urban and redevelopment planning for cities and counties throughout Florida.

VHB provides services for projects including Florida’s High Speed rail program – Lakeland station, I-95 Express in south Florida, master planning for University of South Florida, APM Terminals Interchange Design-Build in Virginia, Patriot Place in Foxborough, Harvard University and Philadelphia International Airport EIS.