Stantec to acquire ZETCON Engineering

Stantec has signed an agreement to acquire ZETCON Engineering, headquartered in Bochum, Germany. 

Founded in 1973, ZETCON employs 645 staff and is an expert in infrastructure planning, inspection, project management and construction management. 

The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

The acquisition of ZETCON gives Stantec - a sustainable design and engineering expert - a strong platform focused on infrastructure. 

ZETCON has 13 offices covering all major German metropolitan areas and has extensive industry expertise in bridge certification and assessment, project and construction management of tunnels, roads and rail infrastructure, as well as building condition assessments, improvements and certifications. 

Its national presence and expertise in the German market, combined with Stantec's global knowledge and capabilities, will provide the opportunity to further diversify the business and grow in other sectors over time. 

Stantec’s global expertise in water and power engineering, buildings, advanced manufacturing, and environmental services offer potential for growth in the German market.

“ZETCON gives us a significant foothold in Germany, a large economy with massive infrastructure needs over the coming years,” said Gord Johnston, president and chief executive officer, Stantec. 

“Expanding our presence in Europe has long been an ambition for Stantec, and this acquisition will set us up for long-term growth in the region.”

Caspar Tillmann, chief executive officer at ZETCON, added: “Stantec is a renowned global engineering firm that brings the clout to help us grow in a fragmented German engineering market,.

“Joining Stantec will expand the range of services we can offer our clients, give us the capacity to work on larger, more complex projects, and give our employees the opportunity to partner with best-in-class global expertise.”

Projects in ZETCON’s portfolio include construction supervision for the EUR750 million light rail tunnel expansion in the city of Karlsruhe. ZETCON is overseeing structural engineering work as well as the installation of building and railway operations technology through the inner-city tunnel and seven underground stations.

It also has construction supervision for the EUR700 million Wehrhahn Line, a new double track light rail tunnel through the heart of Düsseldorf. 

The acquisition of ZETCON is consistent with Stantec’s strategic effort to expand in key global markets, creating a platform for long-term organic growth.

The acquisition is expected to close in January 2024.