RTKL’s parent company Arcadis has announced its intention to acquire Callison, a 1,000+-employee architectural and interior design consultancy with offices in the United States, China, Europe, Middle East and Mexico.
The acquisition of Callison, known predominantly for its leadership in retail and mixed-use design, builds on Arcadis’ strong global design and architecture position, currently provided by RTKL. With the addition of Callison, ARCADIS plans to strengthen its global design leadership in retail and mixed-use, and gain the leading position among international architecture firms in China.
"With the addition of Callison, Arcadis has created a true leadership position in high-end design and architecture,” said Neil McArthur, CEO of ARCADIS. "We will have a clear leading position in retail globally, a strong leadership position in mixed use/commercial globally and will have a leading international design and architecture position in China."
RTKL, which provides architectural and design services across the commercial, healthcare and workplace sectors, was acquired by ARCADIS in 2007. A single global network of RTKL, Arcadis, Callison, and other Arcadis operating companies like EC Harris and Langdon & Seah, further expands the offer for RTKL’s clients through greater scale, a wider range of skills and broader market reach.
Lance Josal, FAIA, President and CEO of RTKL, said: "Callison is a well-respected industry peer, and home to great professionals, including several thought leaders in our industry. Callison has a long history in the profession, a strong culture of client service and share the entrepreneurial drive that took our companies to the global stage. Having two industry leaders within Arcadis provides a great opportunity to create something quite unique."
Arcadis will acquire Callison from its primary owner, Blue Point Capital, and from company management and principals. The closing of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of approval from the Beijing Municipal Commission of Commerce and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2014.
"We are excited to be a member of the Arcadis team which has created value for the many other companies that have joined its ranks," said Callison Chairman and CEO John Jastrem. "Our combined global capability will benefit all our employees and clients. We are known for our high quality design and excellent service and with the support of Arcadis we will be able to deliver that quality on an even larger scale."
Related Stories
Architects | Sep 21, 2016
DLR Group broadens its practice range and market penetration with addition of Westlake Reed Leskosky
The merger, say company officials, creates “a global design leader” in a consolidating industry.
Architects | Sep 21, 2016
Design for the transition from thinking to creating
While heads-down work continues, the changing nature of learning and work has resulted in a shift toward frequent and spontaneous exchanges.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2016
Healthy buildings becoming a key design priority for both architects and building owners
Nationwide survey finds nearly three of four architects cite health impacts influencing design decisions
Cultural Facilities | Sep 19, 2016
International competition recognizes insect-inspired design for Moscow Circus School
The proposal would make the school’s activities more transparent to the public.
Architects | Sep 19, 2016
A workplace designed for the innovation economy
Over the past 100 years, how we work has changed dramatically, and these changes have impacted workplace design.
Architects | Sep 16, 2016
Former architect now builds architectural wonders out of LEGO blocks
Adam Reed Tucker’s creations are currently on display at the Museum of Science and Industry.
Architects | Sep 15, 2016
Implicit bias: How the unconscious mind drives business decisions
Companies are tapping into the latest research in psychology and sociology to advance their diversity and inclusion efforts when it comes to hiring, promoting, compensation, and high-performance teaming, writes BD+C's David Barista.
Museums | Sep 14, 2016
Architectural model museum opens in Japan
The museum includes models from Japanese architects including Shingeru Ban, Kengo Kuma, and Riken Yamamoto.
Designers | Sep 13, 2016
5 trends propelling a new era of food halls
Food halls have not only become an economical solution for restauranteurs and chefs experiencing skyrocketing retail prices and rents in large cities, but they also tap into our increased interest in gourmet locally sourced food, writes Gensler's Toshi Kasai.
AEC Tech | Sep 6, 2016
Innovation intervention: How AEC firms are driving growth through R&D programs
AEC firms are taking a page from the tech industry, by infusing a deep commitment to innovation and disruption into their cultural DNA.