Stantec expands UK presence with Hydrock acquisition

Global design and engineering company Stantec has expanded its UK presence with the acquisition of engineering design firm Hydrock. 

The move immediately grows Stantec’s workforce in the UK by more than 30%, while extending and diversifying its expertise

Founded in 1995, Hydrock employs 950 staff and is headquartered in Bristol. 

It has a nationwide presence with 22 UK locations and industry-renowned experience providing sustainable solutions for major projects across the country’s public and private sectors.

It has has extensive capabilities in fire safety, energy and sustainability, civil and structural, MEP, transport, environmental and geotechnical services. 

The transaction closed on April 30 and the terms have not been disclosed.

Stantec said there are no planned or anticipated job losses as a result of the acquisition, adding: "both companies see the merger as a synergy of talent, expertise, and client relationships, presenting growth opportunities without workforce reduction".

As part of Stantec’s continued global growth strategy, the Hydrock acquisition will increase its UK workforce and bolster its offering to the energy, buildings and infrastructure markets, as well as the wider built environment. 

Cath Schefer, Stantec’s executive vice president and chief operating officer for global, added: “The coming together of Stantec and Hydrock is an ambitious and compatible evolution for both our firms in the UK.

“Hydrock provides us with a highly complementary line of services and expertise which only reinforces our UK offering. 

“Our combined experience, knowledge, and creativity, as well as our shared commitment to create better, more liveable places for people and communities, puts us in an exceptional position to deliver meaningful value for our industry-leading clients.”

Gord Johnston, Stantec’s president and chief executive officer. “When combined with the strategic acquisitions of ZETCON and Morrison Hershfield, we will have grown our global workforce by over 2,700 people within the first four months of 2024, further strengthening our offering in line with market demands.”

Dr Scott Elliott, managing director of Hydrock, now Stantec, added: “Through our integration, we’ll be able to expand our reach and influence internationally, penetrate exciting new markets, and provide excellent new career opportunities for our people. 

“Together, we’ll pioneer engineering solutions, drive energy resilience, and support this country’s vital transition to a low-carbon economy. 

“I’d like to thank our retiring founder Dr Brian McConnell for his tireless efforts growing the business over the last 29 years into what is now a highly respected national brand. 

“This is a pivotal moment in our company’s history and an exciting new chapter for our colleagues and our clients.”