Important Acquisition in Colombia
Dessau Inc., one of Canada’s leading engineering-construction firms, is pursuing its expansion in Latin America by acquiring Compañía de Estudios e Interventorías S.A. (CEI), an engineering firm based in Bogota, Colombia.
“The acquisition of CEI represents another promising experience for Dessau and strengthens our presence in Latin America. In addition to Chile and Peru, where Dessau is already active, Colombia demonstrates strong economic potential thanks to business opportunities, particularly in the transportation and energy infrastructure sectors. With 350 employees, the Bogota office is strategically located for our operations and future development in South America. In addition, CEI’s 50 years of experience in the oil and gas sector complement and enhance our range of services,” stated Mr. Jean-Pierre Sauriol, President and CEO of Dessau.
According to Mr. Hermán Montenegro, General Manager of CEI, "This collaboration will help ensure the company’s future while broadening the scope of our business throughout the country and internationally. We are pleased to join forces with Dessau which, like us, is backed by more than 50 years of excellence and a strong reputation in South America.”
Dessau’s first incursion into Latin America was in Peru’s energy sector in 1995. The company went on to acquire a major Chilean firm in 2004. For more than 15 years, Dessau has been contributing to the economic development of the Latin American countries in which it operates by investing in the local workforce and responding to infrastructure needs. The CEI acquisition brings Dessau’s total number of employees in Latin America to 800.
Left to right: Gilles Baril, Vice President, International Business Development – Latin America, Enrique Marino, CEI associate, Piero Greco, Vice President and Treasurer and Octavio Villegas, CEI associate.
About CEI
Founded in 1960, Compañía de Estudios e Interventorías S.A., a privately held company with 350 employees, is one of Colombia’s top 10 engineering firms. The company specializes in transportation, energy and the oil and gas sectors. It also offers water management and urban development services. CEI has won several national awards in recognition of its work.
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 $660 million. The company operates 70 offices in Canada in addition to several other countries. Dessau has been active in Latin America for more than 15 years and maintains permanent offices in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, as well as the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.