Wedoany.com Report-Dec.18, WSP, a Canadian engineering and consulting firm, has announced plans to acquire U.S.-based TRC Companies for a cash consideration of US$3.3 billion. This transaction positions WSP to become the leading engineering and design consultant in the United States.

TRC Companies, headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, was established approximately 55 years ago and currently employs around 8,000 professionals. The company is majority-owned by investment funds managed by Warburg Pincus.

WSP highlighted TRC's strong reputation as an established advisor in the engineering and consulting sector, noting its longstanding relationships with major utility clients.

WSP president and chief executive Alexandre L'Heureux said: "The proposed acquisition of TRC is a defining moment in the execution of WSP's 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. Building on our track record of excellence and compounding financial performance, this strategic move will cement WSP as the Power & Energy consulting leader in the US and globally."

He added: "Together, we are poised to deliver more complex projects and offer expanded end-to-end services to help solve our clients' critical needs, from ageing infrastructure to grid modernisation and electrification."

The acquisition aligns with WSP's growth strategy in the power and energy consulting field. By integrating TRC's capabilities, the combined entity will enhance its ability to address infrastructure challenges, including modernization of electrical grids and broader electrification initiatives.

Headquartered in Montreal, WSP continues to expand its international footprint through targeted acquisitions. The deal follows the recent completion in October of its US$489 million purchase of UK-based engineering consultant Ricardo plc.

This latest move strengthens WSP's presence in the U.S. market, where demand for specialized engineering services remains robust, particularly in utilities and energy transition projects.

The transaction is expected to create a more comprehensive service platform, enabling delivery of integrated solutions across the project lifecycle. Clients will benefit from combined expertise in areas such as environmental consulting, infrastructure planning, and technical advisory services.

Upon closing, the acquisition will significantly increase WSP's workforce and geographic coverage in North America, reinforcing its competitive position globally.

Industry observers note that consolidation in the engineering consulting sector allows larger firms to handle increasingly sophisticated and large-scale assignments efficiently.

The agreement underscores confidence in sustained investment in infrastructure development, driven by ongoing needs for reliable and modern energy systems.

WSP's strategic plan emphasizes disciplined growth through acquisitions that complement existing strengths and expand market leadership in key sectors.

This development represents a major step in achieving those objectives, particularly in the vital U.S. power and energy consulting landscape. Stakeholders anticipate further details on integration plans and regulatory approvals as the process advances.