RINA Group acquires US-based Patrick Engineering
RINA, the Italian-based Inspection, Certification, and Engineering consultancy multinational, has announced the acquisition of the entire share of Patrick Engineering, a Chicago-based engineering consultancy company active in the Infrastructure, Transport, and Renewable Energy sectors.
The acquisition marks the entrance of RINA into the US infrastructure market, and is aligned with the company’s strategy of growing both organically and via acquisitions. It also further strengthens the RINA Group’s geographic footprint, which already has a presence in the largest markets worldwide, a statement said.
As well as adding competencies across the group, the continued international expansion represents a further step in the implementation of RINA’s plan and positions the group to better support its international and local clients on large overseas projects.
Ugo Salerno, Chairman and CEO at RINA, said: “The acquisition of Patrick Engineering and the combined expertise of the new organisation represents a unique opportunity for expansion and growth in the thriving North American Infrastructure market.
“It establishes an excellent platform not only in this sector, but also to grow all RINA’s businesses to make the US one of RINA’s main hubs. RINA will gain leverage to export its highly specialised competencies in materials, lab testing and innovative technology.”
With a turnover of approximately US$82 million and 340 employees in 19 offices mainly located in the North-East of the US, Patrick Engineering will be fully integrated into RINA Consulting, the subsidiary of the RINA Group operating in the engineering sector, the statement continued.
Significant Player
Founded in 1979, the company - which will remain as a brand part of the RINA Group - has a strong local presence, high-quality service portfolio, and respected technical capabilities. It offers a full spectrum of services and competes successfully on its ability to perform work in a timely and efficient manner in the sectors it serves - which include Renewables, Infrastructure, and Transport.
With the acquisition, the service portfolio as a whole will be stronger and position the company as a significant player in the engineering sector in North America.
Daniel Patrick Dietzler, Founder of Patrick Engineering, commented: “Our companies complement one another, and our clients and staff will benefit from this acquisition. We will accelerate our growth in new sectors and broaden our expertise. We have a strong client portfolio split between the government and the private sector including transit agencies in major cities and investor-owned utilities and heavy industries across North America. Through RINA’s international network we will gain expertise, particularly in offshore wind, high speed rail and other emerging areas of experience our clients are asking for.”
Salerno added that Patrick Engineering’s prominent position in the US energy, infrastructure and transportation sectors, combined with RINA’s strong multi-sectoral expertise, particularly in sustainability and energy transition, presented an ideal opportunity to make a significant contribution to projects facilitated by the current bipartisan US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Global Strategy assisted RINA during all phases of the acquisition as M&A advisor, in collaboration with AMA International of New York. RINA was also supported by PwC Italia, which assisted RINA in the commercial, technological, financial and tax due diligence as well as in the finalisation of the deal. Mayer Brown acted as legal counsel to RINA in connection with the transaction.
