Major engineering firm PBSJ is in talks with Atkins to be acquired by the London-based firm. PBSJ, which is employee-owned, reportedly sought out the sale to bring in more capital for expansion.
Atkins is the world's 11th largest engineering firm, employing 18,000 people. PBSJ has 3500 employees and 80 offices worldwide.
Toll Roads News quotes Atkins' CEO Keith Clarke in a statement: "This is an important acquisition for Atkins and forms part of our plan to grow our business through a multi-skill, multi-local strategy. PBSJ operates a business model we understand and complements our business superbly, enhancing our skills in environmental, transportation, building design and programme (NOTE: Brit spelling) management disciplines."
EDITORS NOTE: The original Planetizen summary said that the acquisition had been completed, but we have been informed that the PBSJ Corporation, parent company of PBS&J, PBS&J International, and Peter R. Brown Construction, Inc., has entered into an agreement to be purchased by WS Atkins. PBSJ shareholders must still agree that it is an appropriate move, and the meeting where that decision would take place has yet to be determined. Planetizen regrets the error.
FULL STORY: PBSJ bought by British Atkins for $280m (TAKEOVER)

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