http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html Barlow Associates has been helping Engineers and Architects for over 40 years with Succession Planning; Acquisitions, Sales and Mergers, Internal Transfer of Ownership. en-us Succession Planning Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:20:50 GMT Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:20:50 GMT succession-planning-for-business.com http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Berger-Group-of-Companies-Acquires-Ranger-International-Services-Group,-Inc. The Berger Group of Companies, a global engineering firm with annual revenues of $1 billion headquartered in Morristown, NJ, has acquired Ranger International Services Group of Greenville, SC. Ranger—a 1,000-employee firm providing a variety of aviation, logistics and engineering services both domestically and internationally—will henceforth be known as Louis Berger Services, Inc. The acquisition is expected to be mutually beneficial. “We seek to increase our capabilities in government operations contracting, overhaul and maintenance, airfield operations and specialized technical services,” Nicholas Masucci, CEO of the Berger Group, said. “The strengths and global reach of our large company will greatly complement the capabilities of Ranger International, enabling our combined operations to provide enhanced services to clients around the world.” Steve Townes, CEO of Ranger, said: “The combination of Berger and Ranger provides a platform to perform even better for our clients and employees. We can expand with the global footprint of the Berger Group as well as bring new dimensions to Berger’s current offerings. This combination also allows us to enter new territories and take on more programs and contracts.” Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:02:49 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Dessau-Joins-Forces-with-Maritime-Testing Dessau Inc., one of Canada’s largest engineering-construction firms, today announced that it has acquired Maritime Testing Ltd., a company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, that specializes in geotechnical, materials and environmental engineering. “Dessau now has a solid standing in Atlantic Canada, thanks to Maritime Testing’s 27 years of experience and outstanding reputation. This acquisition strengthens our service offering in geotechnical, geoenvironmental and materials engineering, while extending our presence from coast to coast with a total of nearly 80 offices in Canada,” stated Mr. Jean-Pierre Sauriol, President and Chief Executive Officer at Dessau. “We are very pleased to join Dessau, one of the country’s leading firms in the engineering-construction field, as it will allow us to broaden our expertise and offer clients new services. What is more, our employees will have the opportunity to work on exciting, large-scale projects and advance their careers within a major company,” added Mr. Kim Strong, President of Maritime Testing. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:02:49 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Farnsworth-Group-Acquires-The-Engineering-Company-(TEC) Farnsworth Group, Inc., a national full-service engineering and architecture firm, announced today they have acquired The Engineering Company (TEC), a municipal, water/wastewater and survey firm based in Fort Collins, CO. TEC has been based in Fort Collins, CO, since 1985 serving Colorado Special Districts and municipalities throughout the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains regions. TEC has an excellent reputation and will further augment Farnsworth Group’s existing Colorado operations in Fort Collins, Denver and Colorado Springs. Farnsworth Group President and CEO Karen Jensen, PE, said: “TEC’s reputation as a quality provider of engineering services will immediately strengthen our engineering presence in the Colorado and western region of the U.S. We are enthusiastic about the new opportunities this acquisition will offer, and the expertise and talent joining the Farnsworth Group team to better serve all of our clients.” TEC staff and clients will benefit from Farnsworth Group’s full-service, multi-disciplined engineering services, the firm’s nationwide network of offices and 100-year history, and the support of more than 300 Farnsworth Group personnel. “TEC is looking forward to being part of Farnsworth Group and continuing our mission of providing high quality engineering services from our Fort Collins offices,” said former TEC President J. Brian Zick, PE, who will now serve as Municipal Manager for Farnsworth Group’s Western Region. “With Farnsworth Group, we will now be able to offer enhanced services to our clients and provide them with additional capabilities and solutions to solve their engineering needs.” Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:02:49 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#GENIVAR-acquires-an-engineering-firm-in-Colombia GENIVAR Inc. (TSX: GNV) ("GENIVAR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the acquisition of Consultores Regionales Asociados S.A.S. ("CRA"), an engineering firm of 340 people based in Bogotá, Colombia, with additional offices in Medellin and Barranquilla. Active in civil engineering, environment, energy and telecommunications, CRA is expected to contribute 2012 net revenues of approximately CDN $10 million to GENIVAR. "We are pleased with this acquisition, which is an integral part of our international growth strategy. We have been working in Colombia for the past two years and we have come to appreciate the opportunities offered by this country. In line with our emerging market strategy, we have identified CRA, a top tier Colombian firm in terms of size and reputation, as being the ideal platform in the region to build and grow our activities in all our market segments. Indeed, CRA meets all of our criteria with a reputation of great client service, a broad portfolio of projects as well as a strong management team," stated Pierre Shoiry, President and Chief Executive Officer of GENIVAR. "Our objective is to develop a long-term local presence in Colombia and expand in the neighboring countries where we see good growth potential," he added. "GENIVAR is the perfect alliance for us. GENIVAR's experience and reputation will enhance CRA's capacity to bid on larger projects, enabling us to compete with international firms. We believe that uniting our teams will create tremendous opportunities for both our clients and employees," said Pedró Rojas Castro, President of CRA. ABOUT CONSULTORES REGIONALES ASOCIADOS Established in 1976, CRA offers services in civil engineering, environment, energy and telecommunications. The firm's activities are framed within the principles of social responsibility and commitment to sustainable development. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:02:49 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Parsons-Acquires-O'Connor-Associates Parsons is pleased to announce that it has acquired privately held O’Connor Associates, a leading environmental consultancy firm in Canada. O’Connor Associates will increase Parsons’ presence in Canada and enhance our efforts in the areas of environmental site investigation and remediation. O’Connor Associates meets the environmental business needs of its customers, which include Imperial Oil, Suncor Energy Products, 7-Eleven, and Hydro One. Parsons’ Chairman and CEO Chuck Harrington said, “O'Connor Associates will accelerate our growth strategy and expand our environmental service offerings. We look forward to joining forces with O'Connor Associates’ exceptional employees, and we welcome them to our team.” Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:34:05 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#SSOE-Group-Acquires-India-Firm As economists debate the state of the economy and where it’s headed— SSOE Group, a U.S. – based engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm is thriving. In recent years, in the heart of what some are calling a mild depression, SSOE maintained profitability and earned its highest revenue numbers ever. In fact, in its 2011 fiscal year, it posted its largest revenue in the company’s 64-year history. This is proof that SSOE is demonstrating some of the growth strategies and simple shifts in mindset that other businesses will likely embrace in order to succeed in today’s economy. For SSOE, a priority in recent years is a shift in international growth, as indicated by the recent acquisition of NKS Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (also known as d-Tech) in Mumbai, India. Headquartered in the “rustbelt” city of Toledo, Ohio, and largely reliant on manufacturing clients, SSOE may not seem the most likely candidate to be a progressive model of success. The company attributes this success to the building blocks of all successful business—Great Client Service and long-term relationships. However, its unique perspective on things like international presence may serve as a model for companies looking to take the next big step in growth. One perspective shift SSOE has is how it looks at its international office locations. Widely perceived as a source of cheap labor costs, SSOE’s offices in places like China, India, and Brazil were not only put in place to increase revenue internationally but to grow revenue and add jobs here in the U.S. SSOE has been in Shanghai since 2006 and in Beijing since 2010. This year it opened offices in Tianjin, China; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Mumbai, India. “Looking at these countries as sources of inexpensive labor is an antiquated view of the world. These countries are strong consumer markets and are some of the fastest growing economies. That’s why our manufacturing clients are moving there, not for cheap labor. The same is true for us.” said SSOE’s CEO, Tony Damon. In order to jump start the current operations in India, SSOE recently acquired d-Tech, a design and construction management firm headquartered in Mumbai, India. Damon says, “In doing this, we’re able to expand our consumer base and provide work sharing resources to our India clients which creates work for our employees here in the U.S.” SSOE performed an extensive search for the right acquisition target in India using in-country resources as well as testing out potential targets through partnerships. SSOE and d-Tech have a history of partnering together. In addition, SSOE and d-Tech formed a minority owned joint venture (C2C, Coast to Coast Engineering, LLC.) in 2007 and successfully completed a number of projects together. Because of this venture, SSOE is comfortable and confident in the quality of d-Tech’s output, processes, financial stability, and management as well as their ability to work for U.S. clients with projects in both the U.S. and India. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:34:05 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Thornton-Tomasetti-Announces-the-acquisition-of-Fore-Solutions Thornton Tomasetti, the international engineering firm, announces the acquisition of Fore Solutions, a green building consulting firm that will allow Thornton Tomasetti to significantly expand its sustainability consulting services and integrate green objectives across all its practices. The new Building Sustainability practice will be headed by Gunnar Hubbard, Fore Solution’s principal and founder, who becomes a principal at Thornton Tomasetti. Wolfgang Werner, formerly director of sustainability, becomes a vice president and head of the practice’s East U.S. region. Key Points • The phenomenal growth of the green building movement in recent years means that sustainability is here to stay. By 2015, approximately half of new construction in the United States is estimated to incorporate some measure of sustainability. • The addition of Fore Solutions gives Thornton Tomasetti expanded experience and an established brand in the green building world. • With the creation of its Green Building Strategy Team in 2007 and a sustainability department in 2010, Thornton Tomasetti started offering sustainability services and performing sustainability project work. The addition of Fore Solutions will greatly advance Thornton Tomasetti’s sustainability services effort to address clients’ needs for high-performance, energy-efficient buildings. • The Fore Solutions team will remain based in Portland, Maine, which is now a Thornton Tomasetti office within the East U.S. region. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:25:28 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Bureau-Veritas-acquires-Pockrandt-GmbH-in-Germany Bureau Veritas is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pockrandt GmbH, a company providing non-destructive testing (NDT) services to major power plant contractors and operators across Germany. Founded in 1990, Pockrandt GmbH offers a full range of on-site and laboratory integrity services during the construction and operation of power plants, including conventional and nuclear facilities. Headquartered in Oberhausen, in the Rhein-Ruhr area, which is a strategic industrial cluster in Germany, the company also operates in the Netherlands and Belgium. Its laboratory and mobile testing units use state-of-the-art technology to perform asset integrity services, including cracks and leaks detection, ultrasonic and radiographic testing as well as video endoscopy. Pockrandt GmbH currently has 45 highly qualified employees and 2011 revenues are projected to be about €4 million. This acquisition will significantly increase Bureau Veritas’ NDT-footprint in Germany and provide access to new key European and German industrial accounts. Following the acquisition of Atomic Technologies in Singapore, Scientige in Malaysia, and Tohoku X-Ray in Japan, this is the fourth transaction since early-2011 to strengthen Bureau Veritas’ capabilities in asset integrity management, in line with the strategic priorities set for the Industry business for 2015. Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:29:54 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Capital-Engineering-Corporation-joins-AECOM AECOM Technology Corporation (NYSE: ACM), a leading provider of professional technical and management support services for government and commercial clients around the world, announced today that it has acquired Capital Engineering Corporation (CEC), an environmental and engineering consultancy firm based in Taiwan, Republic of China. With 160 employees based in Taipei and Kaohsiung, CEC specializes in environmental, water, hydraulic and land development engineering consulting services for clients in Taiwan’s public and private sectors. The company, which was founded in 1988, provides a wide array of services, including those related to water treatment, river management, industrial park development, environmental surveys and environmental impact assessments. “CEC’s 24-year track record of providing specialized environmental and engineering services in Taiwan expands our footprint in Asia, which reflects our commitment to growth in new and emerging markets,” said AECOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John M. Dionisio. “CEC will serve as a natural fit within AECOM’s global environment and water practices. We are pleased to welcome CEC into the AECOM family and look forward to strengthening our integrated offering to the clients of both firms.” “Joining AECOM allows us to offer new services within Taiwan and across Asia to meet our growing client demands,” said CEC President Davy Huang. “Additionally, as we grow in Asia, we will be able to provide more professional and career development opportunities for our staff.” Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:29:54 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#CALLISON-ACQUIRES-NEW-YORK-BASED-BARTELUCE-ARCHITECTS-&-ASSOCIATES Global architecture and design firm Callison today announced the acquisition of New York-based Barteluce Architects & Associates. The move expands Callison’s luxury retail client base and strengthens its delivery capabilities. This acquisition will grow Callison’s New York team to over 75 architects. Since Jan. 1, 2011, Callison has added more than 200 professionals to its global offices and the company plans to make more strategic acquisitions and investments in the future. The company achieved 35 percent revenue growth for the fiscal year ending on Sept. 30, 2011. “The acquisition of Barteluce Architects & Associates represents a unique opportunity for Callison to add additional talented employees to service many of the world’s leading luxury brands,” said John Jastrem, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Callison. “For more than 20 years Barteluce Architects & Associates have been delivering the best architectural services in the luxury retail space. The quality of Daniel Barteluce’s leadership and the strength of his team make this a fantastic addition to Callison. We are committed to providing all our clients with the global expertise and world-class design services that our firms are recognized for.” “John Jastrem and the leadership team at Callison have a vision and embrace the values that best fit the culture of our company. Like them, we take pride in offering the best service to our luxury retail clients and look forward to an exciting future,” said Daniel Barteluce, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Barteluce Architects & Associates. “This is a powerful partnership that will benefit our teams and better serve our client’s global expansion.” Founded in 1989, Barteluce Architects & Associates has established an international reputation for creative excellence and architectural expertise in luxury retail environments. Key clients include Burberry, Chanel, Cartier, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., Wynn and other high-end luxury retail companies. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:34:47 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#GHD-and-RobsonWoese-Unite One of the world’s leading engineering, architecture and environmental consulting companies, GHD has merged with consulting engineering firm RobsonWoese Inc. RobsonWoese joins a growing GHD operation with approximately 40 people integrating with the local team in the region. GHD’s Executive in charge of the Americas Richard Wankmuller offers, “This team will support each of GHD’s market sectors through the provision of electrical, mechanical, and fire protection engineering services. "We now offer more than 30 individual services to a growing client base across the region." RobsonWoese was founded in 1933 and in the past decade had expanded its offering to include mission-critical power systems, fire protection and code consulting, sustainable design, LEED® accreditation services, and energy modelling. With major offices in Buffalo and Syracuse, NY, the RobsonWoese team will complement GHD’s existing presence in North America. The merger follows numerous integrations for GHD in the past six months, with UK-based transportation firm Collinson Dutton Limited (CDL) joining in July, California-based engineering consulting firm Winzler & Kelly (W&K) joining in October and Pennsylvania-based environmental engineering company Commonwealth Engineering & Technology Inc. (CET) coming on board in November and MGF Consultants in north Queensland joining in December. GHD is now represented by more than 900 people in the Americas. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:59:20 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#OPUS-Acquires-Australian-Rail-Consultancy Opus International Consultants is to acquire the Australian based rail engineering consultancy, Coffey Rail Pty Ltd and its related company Asia Pacific Rail Pty Ltd. The acquisition will add 50 staff and an office in Victoria to Opus’ operation in Australia, bringing the total number of Opus offices in Australia to 17 with a total staff number of 370. Opus now employs over 2,400 people worldwide. In announcing the acquisition today, Opus Chief Executive and Managing Director Dr David Prentice says that the acquisition is strategically important for the development of Opus’ business in Australia. “We see real synergistic value in the rail infrastructure consulting and engineering of Coffey Rail and our civil and structural capability. This will significantly increase our rail service offering, not just in Australia but also globally,” says Dr Prentice. The Rail business will be acquired for a consideration of AUD9m. The acquisition, which is expected to be completed early in 2012, is expected to contribute NZD1 million to Opus’ net profit after tax in the first full year. “I am delighted that Coffey Rail and Asia Pacific Rail have joined us as part of our global network,” said Dr Prentice. “The business is well known for its specialist rail design and project management capability and has a long heritage, stemming from 1992 when Asia Pacific Rail began. In that time the business achieved niche market status and, like Opus, has a reputation for working closely with its clients and having a thorough understanding of their needs.” Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:58:05 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Parsons-Completes-Acquisition-of-SPARTA,-Inc Parsons Corporation, a technology-driven engineering services firm, is pleased to announce that it has received all necessary U.S. government approvals and has completed its acquisition of SPARTA, Inc. (dba Cobham Analytic Solutions), and its subsidiaries, from Cobham Defense Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cobham plc. On October 19, 2011, Parsons announced a definitive agreement to acquire SPARTA, a provider of advanced systems engineering, cybersecurity, and mission support services to U.S. government agencies. Parsons’ Chairman and CEO Chuck Harrington said, “We are very pleased that this transaction has now closed. By acquiring SPARTA, we significantly expand our advanced technology mission-oriented technical and professional services to new and existing customers. SPARTA expands our expertise in the defense and national security sector and represents an enhanced service offering to our mission-critical infrastructure and industrial sector. The SPARTA addition is a natural evolution building on Parsons’ 67-year track record of solving our customers’ toughest challenges.” Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:18:23 GMT