Canadian infrastructure giant WSP offered to buy Dallas-based Jacobs for a multibillion-dollar sum, with a bid that included mostly stock. Jacobs hired Centerview Partners to review the offer, but no deal is guaranteed. WSP has a history of aggressive M&A and aims to create the world’s largest platform.

Recent WSP acquisitions include Ricardo PLC and Lexica in the U.K., as well as Power Engineers in Idaho. Despite this, analyst Andrew Wittmann cautioned on the likelihood of the deal. Jacobs has a complex history of integration and restructuring, which could pose challenges for WSP.

Previous attempts by WSP to acquire U.S.-based AEC monoliths were derailed by the pandemic. However, there are potential benefits to a Jacobs merger, including cost synergies, expertise in water infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences construction. The deal’s success remains uncertain, given the challenges of integration and operational improvements at Jacobs.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: WSP reportedly eyes Jacobs with multibillion-dollar offer