WSP acquires Dutch engineering consultancy Lievense
Montreal-based global design and engineering consultancy WSP has acquired Lievense, a Netherlands-based engineering consulting firm.
Founded in 1964, Lievense delivers engineering consulting services across buildings, infrastructure, energy, water, and the environment. The firm has advised on projects such as the renovation of the Museum Paleis Het Loo and the expansion of the Princess Beatrice Lock on the Lek Canal. Lievense has 375 employees across 10 offices in the Netherlands, as well as three international locations.
WSP’s acquisition of the firm allows the global engineering giant to establish a footprint in the Dutch market. The move aligns with the company’s 2019-2021 global strategic plan, which aims to exceed Canadian rival SNC-Lavalin with 65,000 workers in the next three years.
Montreal-based WSP currently has approximately 49,000 employees, and in excess of $6.9 billion in annual revenues. Since 2014, the company has gone through an aggressive mergers and acquisitions period, absorbing over 30 companies and swelling its employee numbers from 17,000 to nearly 50,000.
“This transaction, which fits in our development strategy, enables us to establish a presence in the Netherlands, while strengthening our leadership in Europe where, including the UK and Ireland, we now are 16,000 people strong,” Magnus Meyer, CEO of WSP in Europe, said. “Through this acquisition, we are reinforcing our approach of being a global player with a strong local presence and we look forward to welcoming all our new colleagues to WSP.”
Eric van den Broek, Lievense’s CEO, added, “In our view, WSP will be the ideal partner for us during the next stage of our growth. The reputation of its professional expertise and vast network are key assets that will enable us to develop nation-wide and internationally, while providing additional opportunities for both employees and clients.”
WSP earlier this year acquired Ecology and Environment, a Buffalo-based environmental consulting firm with 775 employees across 25 offices in the Americas. WSP also this year acquired US-based Leach Wallace Associates, a 125-person provider of engineering design services to the healthcare sector.