WSP Global Inc. has completed its previously announced acquisition of Enterra Holdings Ltd., the holding company of Golder Associates. Golder is a global consulting firm with approximately 7,000 employees and 60 years of experience in providing earth sciences and environmental consulting services.

The aggregate cash consideration payable in connection with the acquisition is approximately US$1.14 billion (C$1.4 billion), which was paid in cash. The acquisition and other related transaction costs were financed using the proceeds from the corporation’s previously closed $246 million (C$310 million) private placements of subscription receipts with GIC Pte. Ltd., British Columbia Investment Management Corp. and new bank financing term loans.

“Today we have reached a transformational milestone for WSP, Golder and our 54,000 employees around the world as we begin our journey together as the leading global environmental consulting firm,” said Alexandre L’Heureux, president and CEO of WSP. “This acquisition directly contributes to the realization of the goals we laid out in our 2019–2021 Global Strategic Plan. We expect that the addition of Golder will contribute to both strategic growth and value creation for many years to come.

“Over the past few months, both WSP and Golder’s leadership teams have been working together to build the foundation necessary to ensure we are unlocking the full potential of our increased scale and broader, deeper range of solutions to tackle key environmental and ESG challenges around the world. I am confident that our focus on technical excellence and shared passion for innovation and collaboration will facilitate integration, while providing professional development opportunities for our employees and long-term value for our communities, clients and shareholders,” added Alexandre L’Heureux.

Additionally, leaders from Golder will be taking strategic positions within both WSP’s operating regions and support functions, creating a diverse, inclusive and collaborative platform with WSP’s existing leadership.

“Golder was built by generations of pioneering, passionate and caring world-class experts that collectively created one of the most iconic global brands in the industry,” said Dr. Hisham Mahmoud, global president and CEO of Golder, who previously announced that he will be leaving his post to explore other opportunities. “I believe the combination of Golder and WSP will create significant value for our clients and opportunities for our people. I’ve been impressed with what our teams have already accomplished in planning for the integration.”

WSP executive leadership appointment in Canada

Marie-Claude Dumas has been named president and CEO of WSP in Canada, replacing Ryan Brain who will ensure a smooth transition. Since joining WSP in January 2020, Dumas has served as global director, major projects and programs/executive market leader–Quebec, working closely with our global and Canadian operations and leadership. A member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, Dumas brings a proven track record as a global engineering and construction executive with more than 20 years of multidisciplinary management and consulting experience acquired with several multinationals.

“As we have entered the last year of our strategic cycle, we are confident that Marie-Claude’s extensive technical background, combined with her track record in major project delivery, will set the foundation for sustained growth at WSP in Canada, in addition to capturing the benefits offered by the Golder acquisition,” said Alexandre L’Heureux. “We thank Ryan Brain for his contribution to the success of WSP’s Canadian operations during his tenure and for his ongoing support during the transition.”

“After witnessing firsthand, the undeniable talent and level of expertise of WSP in Canada over the past year, I am proud to continue to work alongside the Canadian leadership team as we pursue the organization’s strategic ambitions to further our client-centric approach and people development initiatives,” said Dumas.