WSP Acquires GCM for Canadian Growth
Major industrial consultancy firms are moving to consolidate their regional offerings, strengthening services through strategic acquisitions in response to increased demand.
The Canadian Energy Regulator has projected a 44% rise in electricity demand by 2050, with data-centre load a major contributing factor.
Identifying the potential for long-term infrastructure demand,the Canadian consultancy firm WSP will acquire GCM Corpo in order to broaden and strengthen its Canadian presence.
“Canada’s energy and industrial sectors are evolving rapidly, driving demand for the scale, technology and expertise needed to support growth,” says Alexandre L’Heureux, President and Chief Executive Officer of WSP.
- GCM brings around 600 professionals to the proposed acquisition
- The firmâs footprint spans QuĂ©bec, Western Canada and Atlantic Canada
- GCM has served energy, industrial, manufacturing and mining clients since 1994
- It operates six specialised subsidiaries, including a recruitment agency and construction management firm.
- The Toronto Stock Exchange has conditionally approved the deal, with final closing expected at the end of 2026.
How WSP and GCM align
With 83,000 employees working across 50 countries – including 12,500 in Canada – WSP’s services support major infrastructure projects internationally. The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Under the terms of the deal, part of the purchase price will be satisfied through WSP common shares issued to sellers, including major institutional investor Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
“GCM Corpo is highly complementary to our business and a strong strategic fit,” says Alexandre, addressing the deal on LinkedIn. “I look forward to welcoming the team to WSP at close.”
In support of WSP’s 2025-2027 Global Strategic Action Plan, the firm’s acquisition of GCM Corpo will bring a range of expertise from its subsidiaries:
- GCM consultants, providing engineering services
- GCM Enviro Synergies
- VOLO Construction Management
- STRANA, a recruitment agency
- HyperShell, specialising in design.
Additionally, WSP will gain access to GCM Corpo’s IT portfolio, which offers a smart operational management platform and brings 30 years of experience in industrial IT.
This will allow WSP to develop its digital capabilities, marked as a major target within the company’s growth strategy.
Furthermore, WSP’s Client Program – another focal area for growth – will be bolstered by GCM Corpo’s existing network of clientele across the industrial, energy and mining sectors, while the wide range of its subsidiaries refines WSP’s full-service offerings.
“WSP shares our roots, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to technical excellence,” says Jonathan Clément, President of GCM Corpo.
âAs we considered the next chapter for GCM Corpo, it became clear that joining WSP would allow us to accelerate the momentum we have created."
â“Canada’s energy and industrial sectors are evolving rapidly, driving demand for the scale, technology and expertise needed to support growth.” â
Strategic consolidation: a wider story
With Canada’s real energy GDP set to double by 2050, the potential for increased national infrastructure demand is high as regions seek to modernise and expand their energy facilities.
WSP’s GCM Corpo acquisition is a calculated manoeuvre to enhance the network and capabilities of its Canadian platform.
Supporting its aim to offer end-to-end project cycles in primed high-growth markets, the acquisition will combine WSP’s global scale with GCM Corpo’s local relationships, delivery networks, and knowledge to enhance its presence within the industrial hubs of Atlantic Canada, Western Canada and Québec.
“This transaction reflects our strong confidence in Canada's long-term potential as a leader in the energy, industrial and mining sectors,” says Alexandre.
WSP’s move follows Montréal-based engineering company AtkinsRéalis’ acquisition of Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA), which operates across Australia and New Zealand.
The deal lays the ground for AtkinsRéalis to consolidate its global footprint by harnessing WGA’s established presence in its regions.
As the global energy transition progresses and complex infrastructure demands deep, multidisciplinary capabilities from industrial consultancy firms, strategic acquisitions in order to strengthen regional footprints may be a key growth tactic.
WSP’s key partners
Microsoft
WSP and Microsoft entered a seven-year global strategic partnership in 2025, with a potential combined financial commitment exceeding US$1bn. The relationship combines WSP’s engineering and scientific expertise with Microsoft’s AI and digital capabilities, including work on mission-critical facilities and data centres. Its impact illustrates how WSP is building digital capability alongside traditional engineering services.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
WSP signed a Strategic Partnership Delivery Agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, the nation’s largest laboratory complex, to support its Vision 2030 programme and the future development of nuclear energy in Canada. The relationship reflects the growing engineering opportunity around energy resilience, nuclear infrastructure and decarbonisation, with WSP supporting CNL across environmental, remediation and decommissioning work as well as wider nuclear development.
Calgary Economic Development
WSP joined Calgary Economic Development’s “Team Calgary” corporate partnership programme at Influencer level in 2023, strengthening its relationship with business and civic leaders in one of Western Canada’s key economic centres. The partnership supports collaboration around economic growth, sustainable infrastructure and community development, complementing WSP’s established involvement in major Calgary projects and the region’s energy transition.
Executives
Alexandre L'Heureux
President and CEO
Jonathan Clément
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
