In July 2019, the COWI-Stantec team provided experienced feasibility-level technical services and conceptual-level design to define the technical elements of different bridge and tunnel crossing options, as well as improvements to the approaches on Highway 99. @stantec.com
BRITISH COLUMBIA – Stantec, a leading global firm specializing in sustainable design and engineering, has entered into an agreement to acquire Morrison Hershfield, a management and engineering company based in Markham, Ontario, employing 1,150 individuals. Established in 1946 and operates as an employee-owned entity. The firm maintains offices in 22 cities across Canada and the United States, along with one office in India. The addition of Morrison Hershfield is set to increase Stantec’s Canadian workforce by approximately 10 per cent.
The acquisition, structured as a court-approved plan of arrangement, is contingent upon approval from Morrison Hershfield shareholders, court approvals, and specific regulatory clearances. Anticipated to conclude in the first quarter of 2024, the transaction’s terms remain undisclosed.
This acquisition strategically enhances Stantec’s presence across major Canadian markets, reinforcing its position in buildings engineering within the United States. Morrison Hershfield stands out as one of the few sizable Canadian-based engineering firms with complementary strengths, business lines, and clientele that align seamlessly with Stantec’s focus in key growth markets, including the Greater Toronto Area. Simultaneously, Stantec’s global market influence and client relationships will propel Morrison Hershfield’s expansion opportunities within its business lines as an integral part of Stantec.
According to Gord Johnston, president and chief executive officer, Stantec: “Stantec and Morrison Hershfield have a similar history from our roots in the Canadian market, growing and diversifying services both by geography and service line. And, importantly, our values and culture are very well aligned.”
The inclusion of Morrison Hershfield’s Horizontal Infrastructure business will effectively double Stantec’s footprint in the transportation sector within Ontario. This expansion will notably strengthen Stantec’s capabilities in bridge, highway, construction administration, program management, and inspection services, solidifying its position in a pivotal growth market.
In Western Canada, the joint practice will enhance Stantec’s already robust market presence, particularly benefiting from Morrison Hershfield’s diverse transportation services, positioning the combined entity advantageously for upcoming major infrastructure projects.
The addition of Morrison Hershfield enhances capacity in the high-growth mission-critical and data center market space, further complementing Stantec’s recent acquisition of Environmental Systems Design Inc. This amalgamation reinforces Stantec’s standing as a premier provider of data center engineering services. Morrison Hershfield’s well-established telecom and technology consulting business brings valuable capabilities tied to smart buildings and 5G implementation. Stantec’s pursuits in decarbonization and high-performance building design will receive a boost from Morrison Hershfield’s industry-leading position in building envelope and building science design, along with expertise in code life safety consulting, commissioning, sustainability, and whole building energy modeling consulting, among other specialties.
Morrison Hershfield’s Environmental Services business will enhance Stantec’s capacity to support infrastructure projects in key Canadian markets, specifically Toronto, Vancouver, and in Canada’s North, with the consolidation of teams in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Business Examiner Staff
