SEATTLE—Global architecture and design firm Callison will be acquired by ARCADIS, the leading global natural and built asset design and consultancy firm. Callison plans to join ARCADIS, which also owns the built asset consultancy firm EC HARRIS, architectural design firm RTKL, and Asia's leading construction program planning and value management consultancy Langdon & Seah, in the third quarter of 2014.
"We are excited to participate in the creation of a next generation global leader in high level design and architecture," said Callison chairman and CEO John Jastrem. "This move will broaden our capabilities, add global reach and benefit our valued clients and employees through additional service offerings."
ARCADIS is based in the Netherlands, employs 22,000 people, operates over 300 offices globally and generates EUR2.5 billion in revenue annually. Callison is a global leader in Retail Design and Mixed-use Centers, with 11 offices on three continents. The company provides comprehensive services for top retail brands, developers and corporate clients globally.
Callison applies its design approach, "User Driven Design," for the retail market and across a wide range of other industries such as Hospitality, Healthcare, Corporate Interiors and Mission Critical. The firm has a leading position in China, opening its first office in Shanghai nine years ago, followed by offices in Beijing and Guangzhou. Callison is a top provider of mixed-use /commercial design for developments in China and throughout Asia.
"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."