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 Tue, 08 May 2012 14:48:37 GMT Tue, 08 May 2012 14:48:37 GMT succession-planning-for-business.com http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#HDR-Acquires-Stetson-Engineering,-Inc http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#HDR-Acquires-Stetson-Engineering,-Inc HDR, Inc. has acquired the business of Stetson Engineering Inc., a Wyoming-based firm with offices in Gillette and Riverton. Stetson Engineering Inc. specializes in design, engineering and consulting services related to water, sewer, storm sewer, hydrology, and transportation. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The acquisition strengthens HDR's engineering expertise in Wyoming and its neighboring states. "HDR has always seen the need to have a stronger presence in Wyoming to better serve our clients, develop new clients and expand our services. Our long-term working relationship with Stetson Engineering made the acquisition a natural fit," said Eric Keen, HDR Engineering, Inc. president. "Joining HDR allows us to offer more services to clients and more professional growth opportunities to employees," said Corky Stetson, Stetson Engineering Inc. president. "Just as important, HDR and Stetson Engineering share a philosophy of cultivating life-long relationships with clients." HDR is a global employee-owned firm providing architecture, engineering, consulting, construction and related services through our various operating companies. More than 7,800 professionals are committed to helping clients manage complex projects and make sound decisions. Tue, 08 May 2012 14:30:41 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Dessau-Acquires-Chilean-Firm-Specializing-in-the-Mining-Sector http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Dessau-Acquires-Chilean-Firm-Specializing-in-the-Mining-Sector Dessau Inc., one of Canada’s leading engineering-construction firms, is pursuing its expansion in Latin America through the acquisition of MG Ingenieros S.A. This engineering firm specializes in the mining sector and is based in Santiago, Chile. “Through the acquisition of M.G. Ingenieros, Dessau is not only strengthening its presence in Chile, but we are also broadening our fields of expertise to include mining processes,” said Mr. Jean-Pierre Sauriol, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dessau. “This acquisition enhances our service offering in Chile as we gain a talented team of professionals with a proven track record in this growing field.” According to Mr. Marcelo Gianetti, General Manager of MG Ingenieros, "Joining forces with a major firm like Dessau helps us ensure the company’s future and offer our clients a more complete range of engineering services.” Dessau has been active in Latin America for more than 15 years and made its first acquisition in Chile in 2004. In 2011, Dessau added an office in Bogota, Colombia, through the acquisition of engineering firm CEI. Today, Dessau employs more than 800 people in the region and invests in the local workforce by hiring qualified local personnel to work on major infrastructure projects. Wed, 02 May 2012 16:32:03 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Stantec-signs-LOI-to-acquire-ABMB-Engineers-and-PHB-Group http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Stantec-signs-LOI-to-acquire-ABMB-Engineers-and-PHB-Group North American design firm Stantec announced today that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Louisiana-based ABMB Engineers, a 130-person transportation engineering firm. Stantec has also signed a letter of intent to acquire the assets of 35-person architecture and interior design firm PHB Group. Founded in 1985, ABMB provides transportation, traffic, and infrastructure engineering, as well as intelligent transportation system design for a variety of clients, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, Departments of Transportation in Louisiana and Mississippi, Baton Rouge General Hospital, BlueCross/BlueShield, and numerous cities and counties. ABMB is based in Baton Rouge, with offices in New Orleans and in Jackson, Vicksburg, and Madison, Mississippi. “ABMB has a reputation for innovation and thought leadership in transportation design which makes them a great fit with Stantec,” says Bob Gomes, Stantec president and CEO. “With ABMB as part of our team, we’ll continue to strengthen our US transportation practice and create a strong foundation for growth across the Gulf Coast region.” Established in 1989, PHB Group has completed projects across Canada. In addition to providing architectural and interior design services, the firm offers a full range of pre-design services such as site selection studies, life safety studies, building condition reports, feasibility studies, master planning, programming, and project management services. “PHB Group will be Stantec Architecture’s first architectural presence in Atlantic Canada,” says Leonard Castro, vice president responsible for Stantec’s architectural practice in Canada. “PHB Group’s services will complement our existing buildings engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental services presence in Newfoundland, greatly expanding Stantec’s services in the region.” Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:16:13 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Fugro-acquires-EMU-Limited http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Fugro-acquires-EMU-Limited EMU is an independent marine survey and environmental consultancy specialist with annual revenues of over EUR 20 million. Based in Southampton, it also has premises in Portsmouth, Edinburgh, UK, Dinard, France and Perth, Australia. The company conducts ecological, geophysical, sediment sampling and hydrographical surveys, laboratory analysis, and provides environmental consulting and reporting services. It currently employs 150 highly-qualified and experienced surveyors, oceanographers and marine environmental scientists. EMU has a broad client base in the oil and gas, renewables, engineering contracting, marine aggregate and government markets. The company will further internationalise its business, supported by Fugro’s global network. The acquisition will contribute to Fugro’s strategy to provide its clients with fully-integrated solutions. EMU’s specialist services will further enhance Fugro’s capability to support clients’ projects from concept to completion. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:16:13 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Dessau-Acquires-Environnement-Illimité http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Dessau-Acquires-Environnement-Illimité Dessau Inc., one of Canada’s leading engineering-construction firms, has just acquired Environnement Illimité Inc., a Quebec firm with 70 employees. This acquisition strengthens Dessau’s environmental science expertise and extends the company’s range of services to include aquatic ecosystem studies, hydrography, oceanography, and specialized technical surveys. These new services will better position Dessau to offer engineering support for aquatic infrastructure projects. "Dessau not only benefits from Environnement Illimité’s know-how and solid reputation, but we now employ one of Quebec’s largest teams of environmental experts,” stated Mr. Jean-Pierre Sauriol, President and CEO of Dessau. “This acquisition supports our strategic business development plan, as well as our desire to promote and further integrate environmental protection and remediation in all of the company’s projects.” According to Mr. Michel Couillard, President of Environnement Illimité, "This acquisition makes it possible for us to offer clients a more diverse list of services. What is more, it presents us with the opportunity to build on our expertise and enter new markets.” Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:09:12 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Smith-Carter-joins-forces-with-GENIVAR http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Smith-Carter-joins-forces-with-GENIVAR GENIVAR Inc. (TSX: GNV) ("GENIVAR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Inc. and Smith Carter (USA) LLC (collectively referred to as "Smith Carter"), international leaders in the areas of integrated architectural design and engineering, are joining the GENIVAR team. Headquartered in Winnipeg and with offices in Calgary, Ottawa, Atlanta and Washington, DC, Smith Carter has a workforce of some 190 employees and has designed some of the world's most complex buildings in some of its most challenging environments. Scott Stirton, Smith Carter's current Chief Executive Officer, will be joining GENIVAR's National Leadership Committee, where he will play a key role in developing an architectural platform. All of Smith Carter's partners applaud this transaction and will become GENIVAR shareholders. Smith Carter's core specialities are designing and engineering complex projects in the science and technology, healthcare, security and defence as well as urban impact markets. Known for excelling at high-profile projects, the firm is a world leader in bio-containment laboratory design. Its clients include a mixture of government, academic and healthcare agencies undertaking critical missions, including Boston University, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Defence Construction Canada, the Centers for Disease Control, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers. Smith Carter's outstanding track record has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Innovation Award for the use of business information modeling in connection with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in 2011; a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence for the Women's Hospital at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre in 2010; most Innovative Building and Best Building Award for structural, mechanical and electrical engineering in 2005; LEED® Platinum status for their headquarters building in 2009; and the Governor General's Medal in Architecture—Canada's highest architectural honour— in 2006. "We are very pleased to welcome Smith Carter into the GENIVAR family. Smith Carter is recognized as a leading firm in the architectural/engineering building industry. With this transaction, we have achieved two expansion objectives, which were to strengthen our presence in Western Canada and enter the U.S. market, where we believe there are many other opportunities for growth," said Pierre Shoiry, GENIVAR's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Over the past few years, our architecture partnerships has grown significantly, with firms like PBK Architects, ANO Architects, WHW Architects, the Arcop Group and most recently AE Consultants tying up with GENIVAR. The time has now come to unify these practices and their respective areas of expertise. This will be Scott's main responsibility. Under his leadership, we are confident that this architecture practice will become an essential component in GENIVAR becoming a leading global player in the building market," he added. Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:12:01 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#SSOE-Group-Announces-the-Acquisition-of-CRS-Engineering-&-Design-Consultants http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#SSOE-Group-Announces-the-Acquisition-of-CRS-Engineering-&-Design-Consultants SSOE Group, an international EPCM firm, announces the acquisition of CRS Engineering & Design Consultants, a 50-person mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm with offices in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. The acquisition will expand SSOE’s Southeastern U.S. presence, broaden CRS’s reach to international markets, and provide both firms’ clients access to enhanced services and resources. CRS has been in business for over 36 years and is a multi-discipline engineering and design-consulting firm specializing in healthcare, government, higher education, and other institutional facilities. CRS offers services in electrical engineering, plumbing engineering, fire protection engineering, mechanical and HVAC engineering, lighting design, telecommunication design, and security system design. SSOE and CRS have a history of partnering together for clients such as National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA), ZF Transmission, and Nissan. Tony Damon, CEO of SSOE stated, “Both companies have served common clients for many years. While working together, we both recognized common cultures of delivering value, great client service, and commitment to employees. This acquisition will avail more resources to support both SSOE’s and CRS’s clients by expanding the range of services offered and our geographic reach.” The addition of CRS’s two Alabama locations will bring SSOE’s total number of offices to 26. Although this acquisition expands SSOE’s local presence, they are no stranger to the Southeastern region. Currently, SSOE has 84 active projects in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee. In fact, SSOE has had an office in Nashville, Tennessee for nearly 25 years and has served many of their Southeast U.S. clients from this location. Most recently, SSOE performed full EPCM services for Volkswagen’s $1 billion assembly plant in Chattanooga. Additional Southeastern region clients include Nissan Mississippi and Toyota Mississippi. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:49:44 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/performance-appraisal.html http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/performance-appraisal.html Conducting an effective performance appraisal for your professionals is an often overlooked opportunity to create more value in your company. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:06:10 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/replaced.html http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/replaced.html When considering succession planning for your business you are probably hoping to find someone who can fill your shoes. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:10:27 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Bureau-Veritas-Announces-it-has-Signed-an-Agreement-to-Acquire-TH-Hill http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Bureau-Veritas-Announces-it-has-Signed-an-Agreement-to-Acquire-TH-Hill Bureau Veritas announces it has signed an agreement to acquire TH Hill, a worldwide leader in oil & gas drilling failure prevention and analysis services. The transaction is expected to be completed in April, upon clearance by the relevant authorities. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, TH Hill offers quality assurance, engineering and training services to minimize the risk of structural and mechanical failure of both onshore and offshore drilling equipment. TH Hill also develops unique standards including DS-1®, a global standard for drill string design, manufacture, operation and inspection and STC-1 for the certification of drilling specialty tools. TH Hill operates in more than 50 countries and has offices in Canada and Brazil. It has over 250 employees and reported gross revenue of around €36 million (US$47 million) in 2011. Didier Michaud-Daniel, Bureau Veritas' Chief Executive Officer, stated: "This acquisition is a unique opportunity to reinforce Bureau Veritas' expertise in the oil & gas drilling industry. This industry offers strong growth potential given the increasing complexity of drilling systems, particularly for shale gas, and the need for more systematic drilling quality assurance processes following the Macondo catastrophe. In addition to strengthening our presence in the strategic US energy segment, TH Hill will enable us to build a compelling integrated services offering in order to better serve the oil & gas industry worldwide. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:57:38 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Architectural-firms-are-joining-forces-in-Calgary http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Architectural-firms-are-joining-forces-in-Calgary Two architectural firms with impressive portfolios are joining forces in the city. Quinn Young Architects, established nearly 30 years ago in Calgary and firmly rooted in this community, has merged with Group2 Architecture and Interior Design, which has busy practices in Red Deer, Edmonton, Saskatoon as well as Calgary. Sheldon Quinn and Rob Young will remain as active mentors and principals with the new Group2/QYA. They're joined by the newly appointed managing principals in the Calgary studio: architects Susan Taff from Quinn Young and Stacy Christensen from Group2. The two companies share a mutual respect for each other, says Taff, who got to know Craig Webber, managing principal of Group2, at conferences and other meetings, and established a relationship that recognized their shared reputations for high quality work and long-term relationships with clients. They also shared many areas of expertise including portfolios in education and recreation, and realized that their combined strengths would create positive synergies and a stronger organization with greater opportunities for all staff. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:21:53 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Smith-Carter-joins-forces-with-GENIVAR http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Smith-Carter-joins-forces-with-GENIVAR GENIVAR Inc. (TSX: GNV) is pleased to announce that Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Inc. and Smith Carter (USA) LLC (collectively referred to as "Smith Carter"), international leaders in the areas of integrated architectural design and engineering, are joining the GENIVAR team. Headquartered in Winnipeg and with offices in Calgary, Ottawa, Atlanta and Washington, DC, Smith Carter has a workforce of some 190 employees and has designed some of the world's most complex buildings in some of its most challenging environments. Scott Stirton, Smith Carter's current Chief Executive Officer, will be joining GENIVAR's National Leadership Committee, where he will play a key role in developing an architectural platform. All of Smith Carter's partners applaud this transaction and will become GENIVAR shareholders. Smith Carter's core specialities are designing and engineering complex projects in the science and technology, healthcare, security and defence as well as urban impact markets. Known for excelling at high-profile projects, the firm is a world leader in bio-containment laboratory design. Its clients include a mixture of government, academic and healthcare agencies undertaking critical missions, including Boston University, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Defence Construction Canada, the Centers for Disease Control, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers. Smith Carter's outstanding track record has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Innovation Award for the use of business information modeling in connection with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in 2011; a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence for the Women's Hospital at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre in 2010; most Innovative Building and Best Building Award for structural, mechanical and electrical engineering in 2005; LEED® Platinum status for their headquarters building in 2009; and the Governor General's Medal in Architecture—Canada's highest architectural honour— in 2006. "We are very pleased to welcome Smith Carter into the GENIVAR family. Smith Carter is recognized as a leading firm in the architectural/engineering building industry. With this transaction, we have achieved two expansion objectives, which were to strengthen our presence in Western Canada and enter the U.S. market, where we believe there are many other opportunities for growth," said Pierre Shoiry, GENIVAR's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Over the past few years, our architecture partnerships has grown significantly, with firms like PBK Architects, ANO Architects, WHW Architects, the Arcop Group and most recently AE Consultants tying up with GENIVAR. The time has now come to unify these practices and their respective areas of expertise. This will be Scott's main responsibility. Under his leadership, we are confident that this architecture practice will become an essential component in GENIVAR becoming a leading global player in the building market," he added. Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:21:53 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Cardno-Completes-Acquisition-of-Major-U.S.-Environmental-Firm http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Cardno-Completes-Acquisition-of-Major-U.S.-Environmental-Firm International infrastructure services consultancy, Cardno Limited (ASX: CDD) announced that it has completed the acquisition of ATC Associates (ATC), a Louisiana-based environmental services firm. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110907/MM64542LOGO) ATC is a 1,600-person consulting firm specializing in environmental consulting and services, building sciences, geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing. The transaction was subject to customary closing conditions including approval from the Committee of Foreign Investment in the United States. This approval was granted. The acquisition of ATC has been funded through an A$45 million placement combined with a 1 for 9 renounceable rights issue to existing shareholder which will raise an additional A$67 million approximately. Cardno's Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Buckley, noted that the renounceable rights issue was progressing well and rights trading had finished on Wednesday, February 29. He noted that shareholders and holders of rights need to ensure that they take up their valuable rights by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 (Brisbane time). Mr. Buckley added that the addition of Cardno ATC will further strengthen Cardno's exposure to the U.S. environmental and natural resources management market and is highly complementary to Cardno's existing businesses in the U.S. He also added that this acquisition confirms Cardno's position as one of the largest environmental consulting firms in the U.S. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:20:21 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#ES-Consultants-Has-Joined-SCS-Engineers http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#ES-Consultants-Has-Joined-SCS-Engineers ES Consultants became part of SCS Engineers (SCS) on March 1, 2012. ES Consultants now operates under its new name, SCS ES Consultants. Prior to joining SCS Engineers, ES Consultants was a Miami-based engineering services company with other offices in West Palm Beach and Pensacola, Florida, serving clients primarily in Florida. After serving as Vice President for several national and local environmental engineering firms in Miami for over 10 years, Mr. Eduardo Smith, P.E., founded ES Consultants in 2001. ES Consultants was most widely recognized for its excellence in combining their staff’s environmental and civil engineering expertise to deliver “out of the box” cost-effective solutions for client developments on contaminated properties, including former solid waste landfills, government facilities, and public recreation areas. As SCS’s new South Florida presence, SCS ES Consultants will continue to be leaders in the environmental and civil engineering fields, focusing primarily on: Hazardous materials assessment and remediation Environmental compliance audits Civil engineering, site development design Storm water management Solid waste engineering and materials re-use Construction services “This engineering firm’s philosophy and mission statement is a good match with our own,” said Jim Walsh, President and CEO of SCS. “We whole-heartedly welcome ES Consultants to our SCS family.” Eduardo Smith, President of ES Consultants is equally enthusiastic, stating, “We are very excited about joining the SCS family. We look forward to enhancing our ability to serve our larger clients throughout Florida and wherever they may have a presence, as well as supporting SCS’s client base.” Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:57:05 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Genivar-Acquires-GRB-Engineering-Ltd. http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Genivar-Acquires-GRB-Engineering-Ltd. GENIVAR Inc. (TSX: GNV) ("GENIVAR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the acquisition of GRB Engineering Ltd. ("GRB"), a Calgary-based, engineering firm specializing in engineering services and project management for the oil and gas industry. This acquisition adds 80 people to GENIVAR. "We are very happy to welcome the GRB team as it fits very well in our development strategy and strengthens our leadership both in Alberta and in the oil and gas industry. GRB's team has developed an expertise in engineering and design, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services as well as project management which complements the array of services we already offer in this market segment," said John Nielsen, Senior Vice-President, Alberta of GENIVAR. "The oil and gas industry is a flourishing, dynamic one, rich in opportunities. With such a diverse service offering, we expect to take part in many more projects in the coming years," he added. "We are very proud to be joining GENIVAR since being part of a larger team with values similar to ours will give us the opportunity to accelerate our growth. Our businesses being complementary, the merger of our teams will create multiple new opportunities for our staff and clients," said Rick Giammarino, President and Chief Executive Officer of GRB. "Through this transaction, we will play an active role in the continued development and growth of GENIVAR's multidisciplinary oil and gas group, with a clear focus on providing our clients with quality professional services and technical excellence," he added. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:57:05 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Bilfinger-Berger-Advancing-Expansion-of-Services http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Bilfinger-Berger-Advancing-Expansion-of-Services Dual success for Bilfinger Berger: The company is aggressively pursuing its strategy of intentionally expanding its services business and further strengthening its international activities: The Group has acquired the internationally-active consulting and engineering specialist Tebodin, which is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, and is also applying its expertise in power plant technology to a joint venture with Tyazhmash, the Russian power plant outfitter. Acquisition of Tebodin B.V.: Basis for the establishment of a new Subgroup Tebodin is one of the leading European providers of consulting and engineering services. The company, which generates an annual output volume of €225 million and has 3,200 employees, is being sold by the Dutch Royal BAM Group. The purchase price amounts to €145 million. The acquisition is subject to approval from the relevant antitrust authorities. "The takeover of Tebodin is of major strategic importance for Bilfinger Berger", says Roland Koch, Chairman of the Executive Board at Bilfinger Berger. "It takes our engineering services to a whole new level." Tebodin will serve as the basis for the establishment of a new Subgroup at Bilfinger Berger in the area of engineering and technologies. The company will be allocated to the Industrial Services reporting segment. Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:33:17 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#DHV-and-Royal-Haskoning-Announce-their-Intention-to-Merge http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#DHV-and-Royal-Haskoning-Announce-their-Intention-to-Merge The new company will be one of Europe's leading independent project management, engineering and consultancy service providers and will rank globally in the top 10 of independently owned, non-listed companies and top 40 overall. The intended name of the new company will be Royal Haskoning DHV, whereby for continuation of the Royal designation, a request will be submitted. With its headquarters in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, the company's 8,000 staff will provide services from more than 100 offices in over 35 countries. Together, they deliver solutions to clients in planning & transport, delta & water technology, maritime, aviation, industry & energy and buildings. The new combination will have a turnover in excess of € 700 million. Bertrand van Ee, chairman of DHV and designated chairman of the Executive Board of the new company, comments: "We are very excited about the opportunities for our clients and employees. This merger brings together an incredible pool of talent and immediately doubles our reach." Erik Oostwegel, chairman of Royal Haskoning and designated vice-chairman of the Executive Board of the new company says: "The synergy between the two companies is enormous. We have worked together on projects before, but this is a whole new ball game." The merger realises the ambitions of both founding companies to be an industry leader backed by a financially sound balance sheet. It accelerates their strategies for international expansion with combined knowledge and geographic bases in Europe, South Africa, Middle East and Asia. The new company will be a significant global player in the maritime, water and delta technology markets and a major party in aviation, mobility and infrastructure. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:55:32 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#GENIVAR-acquires-an-engineering-firm-in-Colombia 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. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:53:23 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#CDM-Smith-Acquires-INGESAM-in-Colombia http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#CDM-Smith-Acquires-INGESAM-in-Colombia CDM Smith, the global water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities firm, has acquired INGESAM, an established civil and environmental engineering consulting firm with offices in Cali and Bogota, Colombia. INGESAM specializes in water, wastewater, water resources, air quality and solid waste management. The firm has been serving public and private clients throughout Colombia since 1976. Everyone at INGESAM is very proud and excited to become part of the CDM Smith organization... CDM Smith’s commitment to Colombia will significantly contribute to the development of vital infrastructure, a goal that is extremely important to the progress of this country. According to CDM Smith Chairman and CEO Richard D. Fox, “CDM Smith and INGESAM share a deep commitment to client service and technical excellence. Together, the firms can offer expanded services in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities throughout Colombia and South America.” INGESAM President Carlos Guerrero adds, “Everyone at INGESAM is very proud and excited to become part of the CDM Smith organization. We have similar values and culture, which will support a full and successful integration. CDM Smith’s commitment to Colombia will significantly contribute to the development of vital infrastructure, a goal that is extremely important to the progress of this country.” With the transaction completed on February 10, 2012, the firms have begun the important transition to integrate the two organizations. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:53:23 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/tax.html http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/tax.html A transition of ownership, whether through internal or external sale, can be managed to maximize the benefit of the seller through tax efficiency. Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:22:53 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#URS-to-Acquire-Flint-Energy-Services-for-C$1.25-Billion http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#URS-to-Acquire-Flint-Energy-Services-for-C$1.25-Billion URS Corporation (NYSE: URS) and Flint Energy Services Ltd. (TSX: FES) today announced a definitive agreement under which URS will acquire Flint for C$25.00 per share in cash, or C$1.25 billion (US$1.25 billion). URS also will assume approximately C$225 million (US$225 million) in Flint debt. The transaction, which has been approved unanimously by the URS and Flint Boards of Directors, will significantly expand URS’ opportunities to serve clients in the oil and gas industry. Flint, a leading provider of construction services for the oil and gas industry, currently supports many of the largest companies operating in the oil, oil sands and gas producing regions of Western Canada and in the Southwest, Appalachian and Rocky Mountain regions of the United States. The acquisition will be implemented through a court-approved Plan of Arrangement under Canadian law and is subject to the approval of Flint security holders, relevant regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2012, to be accretive to URS’ 2012 GAAP earnings, and to increase URS’ revenues from the oil and gas sector to approximately 22% of total revenues. Flint has approximately 10,000 employees and a network of approximately 80 locations in North America. The company’s diversified activities span the full cycle of oil and gas exploration and production, including constructing well pads, moving rigs, manufacturing processing equipment, installing small and mid-diameter pipelines, transporting fluids, performing a wide range of mid-cycle production services, and constructing and maintaining large oil sands facilities. Revenues from Western Canada’s oil, oil sands and gas producing regions accounted for approximately 80% of Flint’s revenues for the trailing twelve months from September 30, 2011, with the remaining 20% coming from the United States. Flint is expected to add approximately $3.5 billion to URS’ book of business upon closing. Following the close of the transaction, Flint will become a new division of URS, led by W. J. (Bill) Lingard, Flint’s President and Chief Executive Officer, as the Division President. Martin M. Koffel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of URS, said, “Expanding our presence in the oil and gas sector has been a longstanding strategic priority for URS. Flint is one of North America’s leading fully integrated production and construction services providers to the oil and gas sector, with many long-duration construction contracts and multi-year maintenance agreements. Through this combination, URS will be well positioned in segments of the oil and gas industry that we expect to have attractive margins and growth rates. In addition, by joining with URS, Flint will be able to offer its base of multinational clients the full range of engineering, procurement and construction management services through URS’ existing operations.” Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:36:25 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/typical-client.html http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/typical-client.html How Barlow Associates help owners transition their ownership so owners receive full value for what they have created. Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:19:30 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#TKDA-Announces-Plans-to-Acquire-Duluth-based-SJA-Architects http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#TKDA-Announces-Plans-to-Acquire-Duluth-based-SJA-Architects TKDA, a provider of engineering, architecture and planning services, announces it has a signed letter of intent to acquire Duluth-based SJA Architects in a strategic business move that broadens both firms’ capabilities and better positions them for future growth opportunities. TKDA, headquartered in Saint Paul, has had a hand in designing numerous Twin Cities’ landmarks over the past 100 years, from Como Park’s Marjorie McNeely Conservatory to the redesign of the I-35W St. Anthony Falls Bridge after the collapse. The new affiliation with SJA strengthens TKDA’s position in the architectural community and provides an avenue by which to pursue new opportunities in greater Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. SJA has led several high-profile projects in Duluth, including Amsoil Arena and the Civil Engineering Building and the Swenson Science Building, both on the University of Minnesota-Duluth Campus — all LEED certified facilities. SJA is also the lead architect on the new University of Minnesota 4th Street Residence Hall and Dining Facility on the Twin Cities campus. “We want to create the best team to win additional work and are committed to maintaining and growing the Duluth office,” said Bill Deitner, Chief Executive Officer of TKDA. “With our combined expertise, services and dedication to our clients and communities, we expect our partnership will lead to future growth and additional projects for the firm in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.” In addition to the newly acquired Duluth office, TKDA also operates offices in Chicago, IL.; Tampa, FL; Irvine, CA; and Kansas City, KS. The company plans to retain all employees at SJA and anticipates adding engineering staff to the Duluth location in the months to come. “TKDA, with its solid reputation for quality engineering, is the right partner to grow our business,” said Ken Johnson, president of SJA who will direct the TKDA Saint Paul and Duluth architects, landscape architects and interior designers. “We are coming together to provide superior coordination and service to clients in the region.” Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:49:19 GMT http://www.succession-planning-for-business.com/Succession-Planning-blog.html#Farnsworth-Group-Acquires-The-Engineering-Company-(TEC) 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