IBI Group announces asset acquisition of Cole Engineering Group

IBI Group announced that it has completed the purchase of the assets of southern Ontario-based Cole Engineering Group. Founded in 2003, Cole provides a complementary fit for IBI as one of the largest independent civil engineering firms in Ontario, offering consulting and advisory services in the water, transportation, urban development and environmental sectors. Cole's geographic reach and fulsome capabilities across the water sector include demand modelling and planning; design and construction management for water infrastructure facilities, pipelines and tunnels; as well as operations and maintenance. While the two firms share some common clients in the public and private sectors, the Acquisition presents new growth opportunities across practice areas. Cole's expertise in urban development and land engineering complements IBI's strong capabilities in urban planning, landscape architecture, and electrical and traffic systems, allowing IBI to offer additional site development services to its property developer clients. Cole's established water master planning practice complements IBI's current expertise in this sector, bringing additional background in water/wastewater demand modelling and planning - providing opportunities to enhance IBI's BlueIQ water operations optimization solution - as well as water infrastructure and facilities design. Additionally, Cole's training and accreditation program for water facilities staff aligns with IBI's priorities in operations optimization and asset management. Closing of the Acquisition provides IBI with valuable professional staff resources which will bolster teams on the firm's substantial transportation infrastructure backlog through 2021 and beyond. Through the Acquisition, IBI is pleased to welcome 180 Cole staff members to its existing team.