The consulting firm WSP Global has announced the acquisition of 1A Ingenieros, an operation that will strengthen its presence in Spain, especially in the energy industry. Specialising in strategic consulting, engineering and design in the transport, infrastructure, environment, construction, energy, water and mining industries, the Canadian engineering firm will grow by 70% in Spain thanks to this purchase.

Created over 25 years ago and headquartered in Valladolid, 1A Ingenieros has 250 employees and operates throughout the Iberian Peninsula, mainly in the energy industry, as well as in sustainable mobility, industrial construction and the environment. Its clients include major national and international companies in the energy and automotive industries.

Boosting operations in Spain
The objective of integrating 1A Ingenieros into WSP is to boost the Canadian company's operations in Spain and to create a solid portfolio of consulting services in the transport and infrastructure, building and energy industries, as well as to gain a presence in the environmental industry.

WSP Spain currently has 330 employees in Spain, which will increase to around 600 after the merger. This 70% increase will also be reflected in its geographical presence, which will grow especially in Castile and León, Galicia, Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura. When the transaction is completed, which is expected to be in the second quarter of this year, WSP Spain will become one of the largest engineering companies in Spain.

Strategic ambitions
WSP Global President and CEO Alexandre L'Heureux explained that this acquisition “follows our strategic ambitions to grow our professional services offering in Europe and in key industries”, adding, “With 1A Ingenieros, we will significantly increase our local presence and broaden our client base, creating new opportunities for WSP in Spain”.

WSP Spain CEO Manuel Pérez, praised this transaction, and said, “We hope to take advantage of the potential represented by the team we are building in Spain. With the experience that 1A Ingenieros will bring us in an expanding market like energy, including additional technical capabilities in the areas of transmission and distribution, we will greatly enhance our service offering and boost our business throughout Spain.”

1A Ingenieros President Ricardo Fortuoso did in turn say he was eager “to merge our local experience with the global reach of WSP, driving innovation and opening up new opportunities for our professionals in order to boost their careers and achieve great success together”.

^{Photo: 1A Ingenieros}