WSP Global Inc. has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Berger Group Holdings, Inc., the parent company of the group of companies doing business under the umbrella name of Louis Berger, a US-headquartered leading international professional services firm mainly active in the Transportation & Infrastructure and Environmental & Water sectors, as well as in Master Planning.  

Louis Berger has approximately 5,000 employees, predominantly in offices across the United States, with an additional presence across Continental Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia (mainly India) and Latin America.

The company is recognized for its expertise in sectors and services that WSP had targeted for growth, including water, environment (including emergency management) and transportation (including ports and marine), as well as master planning. 

The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. The purchase price of US$400 million will be financed by an underwritten term loan from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), as sole lead arranger and sole bookrunner.

Greenhill & Co., LLC acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis, LLP acted as legal advisors to Louis Berger.