WSP buys Swiss engineering firm BG Consulting Engineers

WSP has formally completed its acquisition of Swiss engineering firm BG Consulting Engineers following unanimous approval of BG’s shareholders.

With around 700 professionals based primarily in Switzerland and France, BG reinforces WSP’s presence in Europe and almost doubles its staff in France, while more than quadrupling the company’s size in Switzerland. 

As part of the acquisition, Pierre Epars, BG’s current CEO, becomes WSP’s new CEO for the Western European region. Epars said: “We are delighted to officially join WSP and to continue our work as part of a larger organisation dedicated to serving people and the environment. As I take up my new role, I am honoured to have this opportunity to help grow WSP’s business in Western Europe. I am convinced we will accomplish great things by joining forces.”

Last year, Epars spoke with IG about the importance of that ambition and the role of engineers in meeting the climate challenge. He explained then that: “We do have ways to assess carbon impact of construction materials, we do have means to reduce emissions during building phase, etc. However, we need to speak up, take our place within the society, and share our insights and ideas, our creativity and expertise in using technology wisely to build a more sustainable, frugal and inclusive world.”

With WSP growing its work in Europe and employing 65,000 people worldwide, Alexandre L’Heureux, WSP’s president and CEO, reflected that ambition, saying: “Together, we have a great opportunity to further strengthen our European business, thanks to our increased presence in Switzerland and France and our enhanced offering to clients in our core markets, as well as in key fast-growing sectors, including environment, renewable energy and water.”