Stantec, a major global player in the design and engineering space, is set to acquire Morrison Hershfield, an employee-owned engineering firm based in Markham, Ont., in the first quarter of 2024.
The acquisition—subject to shareholder, court, and regulatory approvals—is anticipated to be finalized in 2024’s first quarter. While the transaction details remain undisclosed, it is expected to increase Stantec’s Canadian workforce by around 10 per cent.
Morrison Hershfield’s strong presence in Canada aligns with Stantec’s growth plans. The move will expand Stantec’s footprint in major Canadian markets and enhance its U.S. presence in buildings engineering. The acquisition complements Stantec’s capabilities, especially in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and accelerates growth opportunities in key markets.
The addition of Morrison Hershfield’s horizontal infrastructure business will boost Stantec’s transportation capabilities in Ontario, strengthening its position in bridge, highway, construction administration, program management, and inspection services. In Western Canada, the combined practice is well positioned for upcoming infrastructure project opportunities.
Morrison Hershfield’s expertise in building and facilities engineering design aligns with Stantec’s buildings business, offering synergies in advanced manufacturing, transit facilities, industrial building design, and data centre engineering services.
The Environmental Services business of Morrison Hershfield will enhance Stantec’s support for infrastructure projects in key Canadian markets, contributing to the energy transition through additional capacity in environmental impact assessment, ecological services, and geosciences.
“Joining the Stantec family marks a historic moment for our 78-year-old company. Stantec is a highly successful firm that shares our corporate values and mission, with a unique culture that complements our own,” says Anthony Karakatsanis, president and chief executive officer (CEO), Morrison Hershfield. “With access to Stantec’s depth of renowned experts, resources, and cutting-edge technology, we will be able to provide our employees with exciting and meaningful work, growth, and professional development for the long term.”
Morrison Hershfield’s project portfolio includes notable contributions to infrastructure projects such as the Gardiner Expressway East in Toronto, Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit system, Canada’s first lithium-ion electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility, and the Microsoft Redmond Campus renovation.
