SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (“SNC-Lavalin” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with WS Atkins plc (“Atkins”), approved by the boards of directors of both companies, on the terms of a cash acquisition by which SNC-Lavalin will acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Atkins for £20.80 per share in cash, representing an aggregate cash consideration of $3.6 billion*.

Headquartered in the UK, Atkins is one of the world’s most respected consultancies in design, engineering and project management, with a leadership position across the infrastructure, transportation and energy sectors. Tracing its roots back to 1938, Atkins today has 18,000 employees with revenues of approximately £2.0 billion in 2016, and is geographically diversified in the US, Middle East and Asia, together with a leading position in the UK and Scandinavia.

“We are very pleased to announce this proposed acquisition that is fully aligned with our growth strategy, creating a global fully integrated professional services and project management company – including capital investment, consulting, design, engineering, construction, sustaining capital and operations and maintenance. By combining two highly complementary businesses, we will increase our depth and breadth of services to position us as a premier partner to public and private sector clients,” said Neil Bruce, President & CEO. “It also creates new revenue growth opportunities in key geographies by positioning us to capitalize on increased cross-selling and the opportunity to win and deliver major projects in new regions. I look forward to welcoming Atkins’ employees into our combined company. Together, we will become part of a larger global organization that will open the door to new opportunities for further growth and development.”

About SNC-Lavalin

Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin (TSX: SNC) is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure. From offices in over 50 countries, SNC-Lavalin's employees are proud to build what matters. Our teams provide engineering, procurement, construction, completions and commissioning services together with a range of sustaining capital services to clients in four industry sectors, oil and gas, mining and metallurgy, infrastructure and power. SNC-Lavalin can also combine these services with its financing and operations and maintenance capabilities to provide complete end-to-end project solutions. www.snclavalin.com

About Atkins

Atkins is one of the world's most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, employing some 18,300 people across the UK, North America, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Europe. We build long term trusted partnerships to create a world where lives are enriched through the implementation of our ideas.