17 April 2005
The PHB Group today announced that is has merged with the UK's WSP Group Plc to create an unrivalled team of experienced consultants and to build an even stronger presence in the region providing management and consultancy services to the built and natural environment.

WSP is one of the worlds leading multi-disciplined consultants to the built and natural environment. With a listing on the London Stock Exchange and employing more than 5,300 staff WSP operates in more than 50 countries worldwide.

One of the UAE's oldest established firms of Consulting Engineers, the PHB Group has a full team of structural, mechanical and electrical engineers on board which will now be complemented by WSP's worldwide strengths.

The enlarged company will provide a fully integrated service to the Region comprising transportation and infrastructure, traffic planning, structural and building services engineering and a broad base of environmental consultancy, In addition other specialist areas of expertise include fire engineering acoustics and high-rise design.

The newly merged company, which will operate as WSP Middle East Ltd, will continue to trade from its existing offices in Dubai and Sharjah and will retain the same management team of Steven Taylor, Paul Hockings and Paul DeBenedictis

According to Christopher Cole, Chief Executive of WSP, the decision to take a local home-grown company to international status was carefully planned to ensure that existing clients are still guaranteed the personalised service that PHB consultants provide but now with global experience on-hand.

"We will continue to provide our clients with a flexible, proactive and personal service of the highest standard supported now by the technical strength in depth and financial security of a major international consultant," added Paul Hockings.

WSP, which recently won the coveted title of 'Top Consulting Engineers' from the UK's leading trade publication, Construction News, recorded a turnover of UK308 million in 2004.

Mr Cole said: "The WSP Group has extensive international experience in the States, UK, Europe, Africa and Asia, as well as the Middle East, with permanent offices in 30 countries.  The merger with PHB Group will strengthen our presence in the Middle East and enable us to tackle this enormously important market with ready-made expertise and talent already available on the ground with proven track records."

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© Press Release 2005