SCIENCE and technology specialist QinetiQ has won approval for the acquisition of two American specialist firms.

QinetiQ, which has a facility in Malvern, is taking over Foster-Miller for $163m (£90m), and Westar Aerospace and Defense Group for $130m (£70m).

Both will remain autonomous, retaining their names, core management teams, employees and US facilities.

"These are key steps to delivering our strategy of expanding into the US defence and security markets," said Sir John Chisholm, QinetiQ's chief executive.

"Our strategy has been to acquire strongly-growing companies that have specific expertise in taking technology through to the markets.

"We have already identified significant opportunities to improve service to our customers on both sides of the Atlantic through co-operation between the countries."

Boston-based Foster-Miller is expected to have revenues in excess of £65m this financial year, while St Louis-based Westar will have revenues of more than £75m.