Forge Group has completed its search for a new chief executive with the recruitment of a senior executive from UGL Resources on a $1 million-plus package, and by coincidence has called a trading halt ahead of the announcement of a major acquisition.

The engineering and construction contractor has recruited David Simpson, until recently the Sydney-based chief executive of UGL Resources, to take over as CEO and managing director, though the six-month notice period on his current job means he may not start until August.