WRG Design Merges with Australian Leader in Physical & Social Engineering
Share:
Merger with Cardno Limited puts Portland-based WRG on the global map
PORTLAND, Ore., June 19 -- WRG Design has joined forces with global firm Cardno Limited in a merger that takes effect June 18. The merger with Cardno, a professional services firm founded in 1945 in Brisbane, Australia, means that 350-person, Portland-based WRG becomes part of a global industry leader with 2,300 employees working on projects in more than 60 countries.
"We are excited to join with such an internationally respected partner in Cardno," said Darren Welborn, President and Founder of WRG Design. "Cardno is committed to growth, diversity and opportunity for its people. It is this diverse international opportunity that attracted us to Cardno."
The merger marks a significant step in the evolution of WRG, which has experienced approximately 27 percent annual revenue growth for the last 15 years, and has been ranked as one of the state's top 100 fastest growing companies for 10 consecutive years.
A multidisciplinary consulting firm offering land use planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, survey, water resources, sustainable design and project management services, WRG's primary expertise is private land development. Typical projects include master planned communities, retail centers, residential subdivisions, industrial parks, office complexes, public works, resorts and golf courses.
"With WRG, we have merged with a partner that has a sound client base, a solid history in urban development, and an established market share as well as a culture that is consistent with Cardno," said Andrew Buckley, Managing Director of Cardno. "WRG has always been a profitable, high growth business and the firm provides the perfect platform for further growth across North America."
Cardno provides civil and structural engineering, international development assistance and environmental, management and planning services in countries including Australia, the U.S., Indonesia, England, Kenya, Sri Lanka, China and Dubai.
Additionally, Cardno's leadership in social infrastructure work was a compelling reason for WRG to consider this relationship. Cardno provides opportunities for WRG to become part of a committed, global focus to help third world countries, and war and natural disaster ravaged countries build and implement social and physical infrastructure programs.
"We have just embarked on the next phase of WRG," said Welborn. "This merger represents tremendous opportunity for our staff, clients and industry partners throughout North America and the world."
Financial details of the merger were not disclosed, but did include both stock and cash transactions. As a result of the merger, key WRG managers, including executives in WRG's six offices in the U.S., will become Cardno shareholders and remain active with the company. WRG will retain its current branding initially, and both Welborn and Buckley expect that day-to-day operations will not change.
About WRG:
WRG Design is a multidisciplinary consulting firm offering land use planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, survey, water resources and project management services. WRG's core expertise is private land development and typical projects include master planned communities, retail centers, residential subdivisions, industrial parks, office complexes, resorts and golf courses. Established in 1991, the company has grown rapidly to 350 staff across six cities in six states. www.wrgdesign.com/
About Cardno:
Cardno is an integrated professional services provider delivering the specialist advice necessary to create or improve the physical and social infrastructure that underpins communities around the world. Cardno's team includes leading advisers who plan, design, manage and deliver sustainable projects or community programs. Cardno is an international company, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange . http://www.cardno.com/
Source: WRG Design
CONTACT: Darren Welborn, +1-503-419-2500, darren.welborn@wrgdesign.com, or Allison Vandal, +1-503-419-2500, allison.vandal@wrgdesign.com, both of WRG Design; or Amber Lindsey of Koopman Ostbo, +1-503-223-2168, amber@koopmanostbo.com, for WRG Design
Web site: www.wrgdesign.com/
http://www.cardno.com/
