BergerABAM Expands to California; Acquires Flores Lund Consultants

On 29 April 2011, BergerABAM, a 60-year-old northwest-based leader in civil and structural engineering, project management, and construction administration, completed its highly anticipated acquisition of Flores Lund Consultants (FLC) of San Diego, California. FLC has provided civil and structural engineering services for over 30 years to its solid client base in the southwest region, including California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. The acquisition immediately broadens BergerABAM's geographical reach and presence into a region within the firm's detailed strategic growth plan. The successful collaboration of the two companies over several years, combined with BergerABAM's ongoing expansion into the California market, represents an authentic progression for the Washington State firm.

"The completion of the 100 percent purchase in FLC is a significant step for BergerABAM in our plans to accelerate growth in the southwest California region," explains Arnie Rusten, president and chief executive officer of BergerABAM. "With the acquisition of the 27-person firm, we have instantaneously increased our depth of resources and capabilities in not only civil and structural engineering, but with an impressive portfolio of clients and projects in the naval, hospitality, educational, recreational, and healthcare industries throughout California, as well as key partners in the region's architectural and development communities. FLC's solid reputation and integrity in the industry, vast expertise in design and development throughout California State, and their extensive client base add exceptional value to the BergerABAM brand. We are honored to have each talented staff on board."

FLC owner, Bill Lund, states, "As we combine our rich history in the southwest region with BergerABAM's substantial resources and expertise, I am excited about the new opportunities that will emerge for my team and myself. With this strategic alliance, we have uncovered far-reaching potential to participate in projects and markets that we could not otherwise achieve. This is a moment to celebrate." Lund's long-time partner, Raymond Flores, passed away shortly before the acquisition was finalized. He expressed that "Ray was an integral part of FLC's decision to merge with BergerABAM. There is a deep void that will continue to be felt by all of us. Today, we are also celebrating his tremendous efforts that have led us to this exciting transition." Rusten added, "It was important to the entire acquisition team that we achieved Ray's vision for FLC; we are proud to add his legacy to BergerABAM." Bill Lund will become a vice president of BergerABAM and continue in a leadership capacity, while remaining focused on business development efforts for civil engineering service in California. He will be supported by the strong team of Hamid Liaghat and Armando Valdos, continuing their focus on promoting the firm's structural engineering services.

"Although FLC has joined a company of over 200 employees, we respect the individual culture and commitments of each of our branch offices. We acquired FLC not only for its complementary disciplines and expansive portfolio, but for its complementary values in client advocacy, commitment to industry innovations and advancement, and a sincere appreciation of its excellent staff. The integration process, for these reasons, will be largely uncomplicated--with FLC's existing clients minimally affected. As always, we will operate with our clients' needs as top priority."

Indicative of BergerABAM's commitment to a smooth integration process, it will apply many of the same principles that led to the successful acquisition and integration of the firm's Vancouver, Washington, office in 2006.

For a complete press kit with additional details of the FLC acquisition and more information about the companies, please visit BergerABAM's web site at www.abam.com. We will continue to post details of the acquisition on our web site and social media feeds. Financial terms of the acquisition are confidential and will not be disclosed. For questions concerning the acquisition, inquiries may also be sent to BergerABAM's president and chief executive officer, Arnie Rusten, at arnie.rusten@abam.com or 206/431-2300.

Flores Lund
Flores Lund is located at 7220 Trade Street, Suite 120, in San Diego, California. Established in 1977, the firm offers an exceptional breadth of skill in a broad range of market sectors, including commercial, industrial, hospitality, healthcare, educational, entertainment, government, and municipal engineering. FLC has extensive experience and expertise providing seismic and post-earthquake analysis, construction support, design/build services, public involvement, and sustainable design practices. Notable clients include the U.S. Navy, University of California, community college districts, public school districts and private institutions, SeaWorld, Hyatt Hotels, Marriott Corporation, Getty Museum, U.S. Postal Service, California Coastal Conservancy, public agencies, healthcare providers, contractors, architects, and commercial developers. Flores Lund was founded by partners, Ray Flores and Bill Lund.

BergerABAM
BergerABAM is a consulting firm offering services in the areas of project management, civil and structural engineering, land use planning, natural resources, public involvement, construction management and support, surveying, and underwater inspection services.

The firm specializes in land use planning for mixed-use, industrial, and institutional development, and engineering for buildings, transportation facilities, water resources and utilities, and waterfront and marine facilities. BergerABAM has offices in Federal Way, Seattle, and Vancouver, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; Houston, Texas; and San Diego and Lake Elsinore, California.

Founded in 1951, BergerABAM gained worldwide recognition for pioneering work in prestressed concrete design. While maintaining and cultivating this expertise, the firm's capabilities have grown to cover a wide spectrum of management, planning, and engineering services.

In 1988, ABAM joined the Berger Group Holdings, Inc. affiliated companies, becoming part of a global team of resources located throughout the United States and over 50 foreign countries. BergerABAM takes pride in designing an approach that is innovative, client-oriented, and economical.