Sweco and VK architects+engineers will join forces

Together, we will tackle the challenges of our planet

Engineering and architecture firm Sweco acquires sector peer VK architects+engineers through a Share Purchase Agreement. By joining forces, we can better cope with the successive social, ecological and technological changes. Together with our clients we co-create solutions that transform societies.

From left to right: Vicky De Bollen (Director Finance, Facility & Legal Sweco Belgium), Dirk Slabbinck (CTO VK architects+engineers), Karel Verhaeghe (CFO VK architects+engineers), Paul Corbeel (CEO VK architects+engineers), Åsa Bergman (President and CEO Sweco), Ivo Marechal (founding partner D2E Capital), Alain Bossaer (COO VK architects+engineers), Alain Keppens (founding partner D2E Capital), Erwin Malcorps (Managing Director Sweco Belgium).

Erwin Malcorps, Managing Director of Sweco Belgium, explains: “The world is in transition. Megatrends such as the energy transition, urbanisation and digitalisation can no longer be ignored in our society. As a consequence, we experience a growing need for an integrated approach when designing future proof buildings and structures. This requires specialised knowledge of different disciplines, the agility to keep up with the latest developments and smooth mutual cooperation. That is why it is so important to find a suitable partner who shares the same passion. With VK, we have a perfect ‘match’. It’s great to see how sustainability and innovation are so well woven into our business and corporate model. Transforming Society Together is our common goal.”

VK architects+engineers is a multidisciplinary design agency with “out of the box” and long-term thinking in its genes. For the past 70 years, they used their ingenuity and multidisciplinary teams to design sustainable solutions. The firm offers architectural, and engineering design solutions on an international scale, with offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, UK and Vietnam. The group has a consolidated turnover of approximately 70 million euro (2021) and employs approximately 600 architects and engineers.

“Together with Sweco we will remain frontrunners in the domain of sustainable projects. We have the best talents with in-depth expertise on board to realise this. Our ambition to be a full lifecycle partner is in line with Sweco’s guiding principle ‘Sustainability by design’. We also notice many similarities in terms of corporate culture, with initiatives that clearly make a difference in terms of personal development, knowledge sharing and open communication. Moreover, the European dimension of the entire group, the cross border opportunities and the decentralized way of working really appeal to us. We look forward to continue building a sustainable future with our designs,” concludes Paul Corbeel, CEO of VK architects+engineers.

The transaction is subject to the approval of the Belgian Competition Authority, which is expected in the first half of 2023.

A future-oriented 360° offer

This transaction will allow both companies to combine their strengths and expertise in all the fields involved: from engineering, through infrastructure design to architecture. Moreover, the challenges facing our society are becoming more complex and urgent. It is more important than ever to realise a greater impact for the benefit of the energy and societal transition.

We promise to provide maximum support to our clients with recognised expertise, always thinking a few steps ahead. We embrace the full lifecycle approach by fully engaging in strategic partnerships with clients and stakeholders throughout the entire lifecycle of our realizations, even after the construction phase. This generates intrinsic added value for our clients and society.

Sweco uses innovative and sustainable urban development to tackle the challenges of urbanisation and the complexity of climate change while also improving cities’ mobility, social inclusion and economic development.

What does this agreement mean in concrete terms?

The completion of the transaction remains subject to regulatory approval by the Belgium Competition Authority, which is expected within the first half of 2023. Until the closing of the transaction, Sweco and VK will continue to operate as independent companies. For our clients, nothing will change for the time being: they will receive the same high quality service from the same contact persons within the current teams.

Sweco will also take over all shares of the VK subsidiaries. These include design firm Infranea (3D design, BIM services and VR simulations), architecture and engineering firm DENC (logistics, industrial and commercial real estate) and engineering firm One Simulations (CFD simulations) from the Netherlands, as well as the Belgian firms Van Looy Group (logistics projects) and Exilab (laboratories and cleanrooms). Betic Ingénieurs-Conseils (various building projects) and EKOplan (technical engineering and water management engineering) from Luxembourg and UK-based AD Architects are also part of the transaction.