Alberta-based global engineer Stantec Inc. confirmed rumors it was the front-runner among interested buyers for MWH Global Inc., Broomfield, Colo., with its March 29 announcement that it would acquire the water resources design-build giant for $795 million in an all-cash deal.
The intended purchase of privately held MWH, approved by both corporate boards and set to close possibly by May, would add to publicly-owned Stantec's more limited water-sector capabilities "throughout the full project life cycle," and propels the Canadian firm into significantly more global markets in the U.K., Europe, Australia-New Zealand and the Middle East.