Cardno buys Saraceni Engineering

Perth-based structural engineering firm Saraceni Engineering Group will be acquired by Queensland-based Cardno Ltd, the civil engineering consultancy announced today.

Saraceni managing director Frank Saraceni told WA Business News the takeover would provide Cardno with a structural engineering arm.

The acquisition takes Cardno's presence in Western Australia around 100 staff members.

Saraceni Engineering Group was established by Frank Saraceni in 1990. The group is well known as a structural practice and has significant experience in the commercial building sector as well as experience in the design of bridges, shopping centres and apartment blocks.

Cardno managing director Andrew Buckley said the Saraceni Engineering Group was a welcome addition.

"Saraceni Engineering is renowned for handling complex and difficult structural solutions and the business has built its reputation around lightweight structural design," said Mr Buckley.

Cardno acquired Perth-based land development firm Gilbert Rose Consulting in June last year, along with WA-based engineering consultants, BSD Consultants in 2004.

"This is our eleventh acquisition since listing in May 2004 and the second in Western Australia within 12 months," Mr Buckley.

Cardno's expansion strategy ensures that added capacity and resourcing is delivered in growing markets such as Western Australia. The Saraceni addition will allow Cardno to offer more services to existing clients and also for Saraceni Engineering Group clients.

John King, Cardno's Western Australian Division Manager said the purchase of Saraceni Engineering Group presented a great opportunity to join with an experienced structural team with significant future work commitments.

"Saraceni are currently designing four multi-storey buildings in Perth's CBD including Raine Square a 27 level landmark commercial and retail complex," said Mr King.

Mr King said that with major clients such as Woolworths, Coles Myer, Saville, Diploma Pro-Build, Saracen Properties and Clough Engineering, the Saraceni Engineering Group is well respected.

Saraceni's significant previous projects include the Boeing 737 Hangar complex at Perth Domestic Airport; Warwick Cinema Complex; Stirling Shopping Centre, the Woolworths development in Perth's Hay Street Mall and facility buildings for two gas plants in Pakistan.