Dessau, a Canadian Engineering-Construction Firm, Acquires Calgary's Highway Technical Engineering Services

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Feb. 1, 2011) -

Editors Note: A photo for this release will be available via Marketwire on the picture wire of The Canadian Press.

Dessau Inc., one of Canada's leading engineering-construction firms, announced today that it has gained a foothold in Western Canada by acquiring Highway Technical Engineering Services LP (HTES), a Calgary firm that specializes in geotechnical, materials engineering and surveying.

"We are very pleased to announce this acquisition in Alberta. As our first foray into Western Canada, this initiative follows the acquisition of two Ontario firms in December. Dessau is strengthening its presence and pursuing its growth objectives in Canada," states Mr. Jean-Pierre Sauriol, President and Chief Executive Officer at Dessau. "We also expect to continue expanding at the international level."

"We are excited to join Dessau, one of the country's engineering-construction leaders. This will allow us to offer our clients a wider range of services. It will also open a great number of opportunities and interesting challenges for our employees," adds Mr. Jerry Baartman, President of HTES.

As a result of this acquisition, HTES will become part of LVM, Dessau's largest subsidiary, which employs 1,400 people and specializes in geotechnical, materials and environmental engineering. HTES will serve the company's clients in Western Canada and the United States.

About Highway Technical Engineering Services LP

Highway Technical Engineering Services LP has earned a solid track record in road and municipal infrastructure engineering, working for public- and private-sector clients in Canada and the U.S. The firm employs 100 people in six offices located in the Canadian cities of Calgary, Edmonton, Kamloops, Cranbrook, and Yellowknife as well as American Fork, Utah.

About Dessau

Founded in 1957, Dessau is the fifth-largest engineering-construction firm in Canada and one of the top 60 in the world. With expertise in a wide range of fields related to engineering and construction, Dessau plans, designs, builds and manages infrastructure for clients in the private and public sectors. Dessau employs nearly 5,000 people and posts annual revenues of $600 million. The company is active throughout Canada, as well as in North Africa, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.