WS Atkins to acquire PBSJ for $280 million

WS Atkins plc (Epsom, U.K.) announced that it has reached an agreement with PBSJ Corp. (Tampa, FL) whereby Atkins will acquire PBSJ for $280 million U.S. in cash. PBSJ is a 3,500-employee engineering, planning, architecture, construction, environmental, and program management firm with particular strength in water and transportation engineering. The company recorded gross revenues of $799 million during the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2009. Atkins said that the addition of PBSJ will add signficantly to its presence in the United States, increasing the percentage of U.S.-derived revenue from 5% to approximately 33%. Atkins generated ?1.4 billion in revenue (about $2.2 billion U.S.) during the fiscal year ending on March 31, 2010.“PBSJ operates a business model we understand and complements our business superbly, enhancing our skills in environmental, transportation, building design, and program management disciplines,” said Keith Clarke, Atkins’ chief executive. “PBSJ has an experienced management team and a strong, long-standing reputation for technical excellence and quality, which underpins its deep client relationships.”