French inspection and certification giant Socotec has acquired US engineering consultancy American Engineers Group (AEG), which offers a range of geotechnical services.
The Paris-headquartered testing specialist said its purchase of the Pennsylvania-based outfit marked its entry into the Pennsylvania and Maryland regions as part of an expansion strategy.
Socotec said “nearly 60” people would join it from AEG, including civil and structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, geologists, hydrologists and surveyors.
The acquired company operates from offices in Mechanicsburg, Philadelphia, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and Largo, Maryland. It also has a materials testing laboratory offering comprehensive quality control services for infrastructure projects.
AEG’s website says it brings “over 66 years of geotechnical engineering expertise to state, local, federal and private clients across the Mid-Atlantic Region”.
It adds: “Our geotechnical team is well-versed in engineering geology, soil and rock mechanics, pavement design and foundation engineering, supporting the design, inspection and construction oversight of civil and transportation projects.
“AEG delivers comprehensive geotechnical design services, including recommendations for roadway design; foundation systems; site preparation and grading; and construction methodologies.”
The firm has completed more than 100 geotechnical projects in the past five years.
Socotec has completed a series of strategic acquisitions in recent years, as well as pursuing organic growth, and recently established new offices in locations including Austin, Texas, to meet surging demand for infrastructure and construction services in US conurbations.
Nicolas Detchepare, chief executive at Socotec USA, said: “AEG brings exceptional technical depth, an outstanding reputation for transportation infrastructure excellence and decades of trusted client relationships throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.
“As we establish our presence in these strategically important markets, AEG provides the ideal foundation for growth. Together, we will deliver enhanced capabilities and resources to support the region’s critical infrastructure needs while maintaining the local expertise and client service that have defined AEG’s success for more than six decades.”
AEG chief executive Vijay Gupta said joining Socotec created “tremendous opportunities for our team and clients”.
He added: “Socotec’s global resources, technical breadth and commitment to quality align perfectly with our values and vision. This partnership enables us to expand our service offerings, access new markets and continue supporting the infrastructure projects that strengthen our communities.
“We’re excited to contribute to Socotec’s growth while maintaining the personalised approach and technical rigour our clients expect.”