WSP doubles down in Australia agreeing Calibre business buy for A$275 million

Posted by Paul Moore on 6th April 2023

WSP has entered into an agreement to acquire Calibre Professional Services One Pty Ltd, strengthening its position as a leading firm providing sustainability services across the full mining asset life cycle.

Calibre Professional Services One is the Resources, Rail, Renewables and Rehabilitation business of Calibre Group. The deal also includes its subsidiary, Xstract Mining Consultants Pty Ltd. The acquisition was via WSP’s subsidiary WSP Australia Pty Ltd.

It says: “Building on the acquisition of Golder in 2021 and in alignment with the Corporation’s 2022-2024 strategic action plan objectives, the transaction will enable WSP to further develop its leadership position in Australia as well as support major mining clients who are currently on a path to decarbonise their operations and infrastructure.”

Calibre is described as a leading engineering services provider across the full asset life cycle, focused on rail, infrastructure, rehabilitation, and renewable projects supporting blue-chip mining clients. With a workforce of approximately 800 professionals, Calibre has offices in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

The addition of Calibre and its mining advisory and consulting expertise “will position WSP to seize significant opportunities related to mine closure and rehabilitation as well as water management. The combined platform will represent over 6,000 professionals across Australia, including over 1,000 experts in the resource sector, and significantly increase WSP’s presence in the Pilbara region and Western Australia.”

“This transaction will further position WSP to play a leading role in assisting with the green transition of the mining industry in Australia and globally,” said Alexandre L’Heureux, WSP’s President and CEO. “Our combined business will further increase our technical capabilities and provide opportunities to serve as the partner of choice for mining companies with strong ESG commitments.”

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including obtaining approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board in Australia. WSP is acquiring Calibre for an aggregate consideration of A$275 million (C$250 million), payable upon closing of the acquisition.

“Together with Calibre, our ability to deliver services to help accelerate the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the mining sector will be vastly enhanced,” said Guy Templeton, WSP’s President and CEO, Asia Pacific. Adrian Chapman, Calibre’s Executive General Manager said: “Joining WSP will create a leading and highly technically capable firm, adding value to major projects beyond mine sites, and enabling us to bring WSP’s key ESG services to a wider client base.”