In a cross-border acquisition that many in the global engineering sector had been anticipating in recent weeks, Pasadena-based Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. announced Sept. 8 that it has reached agreement to buy Australian design firm Sinclair Knight Merz for about $1.2 billion.
The deal is set to boost Jacobs' role in mining and infrastructure markets in Australia and elsewhere, and would provide SKM with a link to a well-heeled parent in diverse industrial, government and transportation technical services businesses.