In a significant move to bolster its presence in the United States, Montreal-based professional services giant WSP Global Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire TRC Companies, Inc., a prominent U.S. engineering and environmental consulting firm. The transaction is an all-cash deal valued at approximately $4.5 billion.
A Strategic Expansion into the U.S. Market
The acquisition, announced on December 15, 2025, represents a major strategic play by WSP to deepen its expertise and service offerings in key American markets. TRC Companies, headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, is known for its work in sectors including power and utilities, environmental solutions, and infrastructure. This move is expected to significantly enhance WSP's capabilities in areas such as energy transition and environmental consulting, aligning with growing global demand for sustainable development services.
The deal underscores WSP's aggressive growth strategy, which has historically included a series of strategic acquisitions. By integrating TRC's nearly 7,000 professionals and its established client base, WSP aims to create a more formidable competitor in the North American and global engineering consultancy landscape.
Financial Details and Expected Timeline
The $4.5 billion acquisition is structured as an all-cash transaction. WSP plans to finance the purchase through a combination of available cash and new debt financing. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the agreement.
Subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by TRC shareholders, the transaction is anticipated to be finalized in the first half of 2026. Upon completion, TRC will be integrated into WSP's operations, creating one of the world's leading professional services firms in the engineering and environment sector.
Implications for the Industry and Canadian Business
This acquisition positions WSP Global, a Canadian success story, as an even larger global player. The consolidation reflects ongoing trends in the engineering and consulting industry, where scale and diversified expertise are increasingly critical to winning large, complex projects, particularly those related to climate resilience, renewable energy, and modernized infrastructure.
For WSP, the deal not only expands its U.S. footprint but also adds specialized talent and proprietary technologies from TRC. Analysts suggest this will improve WSP's competitive edge against other global giants. The move is seen as a confident bet on the sustained growth of infrastructure spending and environmental compliance markets in the United States.
The announcement was made public after markets closed on December 15, 2025. The deal is one of the largest in the engineering and consulting sector in recent years and highlights the continued outward expansion and ambition of Canada's leading corporate entities.
