By Joshua Burd
Professional services firm WSP Global Inc. has acquired AKF Group LLC, a New York-based mechanical, electrical and plumbing firm with a significant footprint in New Jersey.
According to WSP, which is based in Montreal, the deal will bring complementary expertise to its property and buildings team, enhancing its technical practice and boosting its capabilities and presence in several essential high-demand markets. It noted that AKF designs complex health care, science and technology and mission-critical facilities, with a team of 365 professionals that operate throughout the eastern U.S. and a presence in Mexico.
“I am pleased to welcome AKF’s experts to WSP,” said Alexandre L’Heureux, CEO and president of WSP Global. “Our combined practices are poised to accelerate our growth in various complex building sectors, not only locally in the Northeast but also across the USA. The addition of AKF is perfectly aligned with our strategy to grow and diversify our property and building expertise in the U.S.”
Joseph Sczurko, WSP’s U.S. president, added: “This acquisition is a great milestone for both the clients and people of AKF and WSP. Driven by our shared commitment to innovation and technical excellence, we will rapidly leverage the strength of our combined teams as we provide innovative solutions to the challenges facing the fast-growing specialty buildings sector.”
AKF, which has an office in Hamilton, has worked on high-profile projects such as L’Oréal USA’s new research and innovation center in Clark. It recently noted in Real Estate NJ’s Professional Spotlight section that it provided MEP and fire protection engineering for the $140 million development, which encompasses 158,000 square feet of new construction and a gut renovation of roughly 93,500 square feet.
“We are very proud of what we have accomplished since AKF was founded 35 years ago,” said Dino DeFeo, AKF’s managing partner. “We are equally excited to begin a new chapter within WSP that will provide additional opportunities for our talent to make a difference thanks to their recognized technical expertise, in-depth market knowledge and sustainable approach.”
