French consulting and engineering group Egis, currently in expansion mode, has acquired a controlling stake in UK-headquartered, international architectural practice Weston Williamson + Partners (WW+P) for an undisclosed sum, saying it will strengthen its architectural line.
WW+P’s brand and leadership will continue under the Egis umbrella.
Egis plans to become a global top 10 engineering company by doubling its turnover in the next five years, including through acquisitions. Helping to fund the expansion was a capital boost in January provided by the sale of a 40% stake in the company to alternative asset manager, Tikehau Capital.
The WW+P acquisition follows Egis’ purchase of Hong Kong architect 10 Design in 2017.
WW+P has studios in Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, Manchester and London, with experience in large-scale infrastructure and masterplanning projects.
Recent ones include Elizabeth Line stations at Paddington and Woolwich in London, UK, the extension of Melbourne’s Metro system, and Innisfil Orbit, a district for up to 150,000 people in the Greater Toronto Area.
The WW+P board will be led by founding partners Chris Williamson and Rob Naybour as chair and chief executive, respectively, with four new board members joining from Egis.
David Pringle, director of architecture line at Egis, said: “Hong Kong based international architecture firm 10 Design, was the first practice to join Egis’ architectural line in 2017 and continues to lead the design of large mixed use projects worldwide. Together, we are able to offer a compelling design offer to clients across all aspects of transport and the built environment, all around the globe.”
Chris Williamson, chairman at Weston Williamson + Partners, said: “Since our foundation in 1985 we have grown to be one of the UK’s leading architecture practices, with recognised expertise in city-shaping projects. I’m proud of our history, excited by the opportunities that the deal announced today with Egis will bring, and looking forward to achieving the next phase of our vision for the practice over the coming years.”
