Egis agrees to acquire U+A to enhance architecture and design capabilities
The agreement with U+A is the third acquisition announced by Egis in the Middle East region this year
Egis has agreed to acquire multidisciplinary firm U+A’s business in the Middle East. The company notes that the acquisition will accelerate its strategic ambition of delivering end-to-end, integrated solutions to design, build, operate and maintain assets for their clients, providing an all-encompassing, integrated solutions.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close towards early 2023. Once the deal closes, U+A will be added to Egis’ substantial portfolio of design and architecture firms across the world, and is expected to strengthen its position in the architectural design world.
U+A’s expertise includes architecture, interior design, master planning, landscape design, and construction supervision. The firm was founded in 2006 by Pedram Rad and Martin Dufresne and now has offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, London and Montreal and is said to have projects across the Middle East.
In August 2021, U+A’s Project Director Malcolm Macleod discussed the ‘X factor’ that distinguishes its work with Middle East Consultant’s Paul Godfrey.
“We are excited to announce this strategically compelling partnership, bringing U+A’s innovative architects and designers as well as their portfolio of award-winning projects to the Egis group. Combining the capabilities of U+A and Egis in the Middle East will allow us to leverage our collective know-how and provide a broader range of complementary services to our clients. U+A’s vision and business values are well aligned with Egis’ Impact The Future vision in delivering impactful, responsible projects to the communities around us,” said Egis Middle East CEO, Alaa AbuSiam.
U+A is said to have worked on numerous notable projects as lead consultant in multiple sectors including hospitality, education, entertainment, mixed-use, commercial and residential developments.
“Combining U+A’s team of architects, interior designers, landscape and construction supervision with Egis and its architectural arm – 10 Design, SB Architects, Weston Williamson + Partners – will create a powerful, world-class creative team capable of designing all types of projects across the MENA region. Together we can cater to our regional clients with an international design set up and local expertise. We are strengthening our regional presence and long term commitment to the MENA region,” said Pedram Rad, Partner at U+A.
In October 2022, the Royal Commission for AlUla showed the designs of its first neighbourhood.
U+A’s management and the founding partners will remain in the business to help drive future growth, Egis stated.
Egis’ Director of Architecture, David Pringle commented, “We are delighted to welcome U+ A to the architecture line within Egis. U+A’s team of dynamic and ambitious people are a significant presence in Middle East. Their regional success in the delivery of complex and award winning projects and collaborative approach to design is an incredible complement to the developing architecture line in Egis; 10 Design in Hong Kong, Weston Williamson in London and SB Architects in San Francisco.”
The agreement with U+A is the third acquisition announced by Egis in the Middle East region this year following the completed transactions to acquire Waagner Biro Bridge Services and WME Consultants. The firm says the acquisitions demonstrate its growing commitment and growth momentum in the region. With this acquisition, the Egis Middle East team is expected to grow to more than 2,500 employees, the firm concluded.
In late November 2022, Middle East Consultant announced that U+A had been shortlisted in three categories for the 2022 Middle East Consultant Awards.
