Layne Christensen acquires interest in Uruguayan geotechnical firm

Layne Christensen Co. (Mission Woods, KS) announced that it has acquired a 50% interest in Diberil Sociedad Anonima, a Uruguayan company and parent company to Costa Fortuna, which operates in both Uruguay and Brazil. Costa Fortuna is one of the largest providers of specialty foundation and specialized marine geotechnical services in South America, according to Layne. It employs about 250 people and generates approximately $25 million U.S. in annual revenue. “This acquisition adds capacity to Layne’s strategy of expanding its geotechnical expertise in ground stabilization product lines,” said Peter Iovino, president of Layne’s GeoConstruction Division. “Costa Fortuna operations complement Layne’s current product offerings and expands those offerings, especially, in marine geotechnical and slurry wall construction.”