Canadian engineering consultant WSP Global has signed a US$1.14 billion agreement to acquire global engineering firm Golder Associates.

Golder, which has been operating for over 60 years, provides earth science and environmental consultancy services to the oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, power, and infrastructure sectors.

The deal will see WSP take control of Golder鈥檚 worldwide operations and will add 155 offices and 7,000 staff to its organisation.

Alexandre L鈥橦eureux, President and Chief Executive Officer of WSP, said, 鈥淭ogether we will create the leading global environmental consulting firm with approximately 14,000 of our 54,000 professionals dedicated to accelerating the world鈥檚 green transition.

鈥漈he combination ideally positions WSP to capitalize on the rapidly growing ESG trends driving demand for environmental services and sustainable infrastructure development鈥�,

Forming part of WSP鈥檚 strategic growth plans, the company agreed the proposed acquisition with Golder鈥檚 parent company Enterra Holdings.

Dr. Hisham Mahmoud, Global President and CEO of Golder, said, 鈥淐ombining Golder鈥檚 industry-leading expertise with WSP鈥檚 impressive world-class platform and highly complementary services will provide long-term benefits for our people and help create greater value for our clients.鈥�

Mahmoud added that the companies鈥� compatible cultures and values would create a successful union.

The deal still needs to be approved by shareholders and the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, and is due to be completed in the spring of 2021.