Canadian-headquartered firm WSP Global Inc., one of the world’s leading engineering, science and infrastructure solutions firms, has announced that "following careful consideration", it will not pursue a public offer for all of the issued and outstanding shares of Arcadis N.V.
Announcing the decision to abandon its bid, WSP said it “remains convinced” that a combination of WSP and Arcadis would offer a compelling strategic rationale and generate substantial benefits for all stakeholders, including shareholders, clients and employees of Arcadis and WSP.
However, WSP said it was “unable to engage with Arcadis regarding the terms of a potential transaction” and that without such engagement, it was “not positioned to further advance a transaction.
WSP continues to believe that the value creation opportunity underlying a combination of Arcadis and WSP can only be realized through a negotiated transaction supported by the Arcadis boards.
Alexandre L'Heureux, President and CEO of WSP Global commented:
WSP continues to believe that the value creation opportunity underlying a combination of Arcadis and WSP can only be realized through a negotiated transaction supported by the Arcadis boards. Without such engagement, WSP is not positioned to further advance a transaction.
“We approached Arcadis with a clear conviction regarding the strategic and industrial merits of a combination between our two organizations. While those merits remain strategically compelling, meaningful engagement is a necessary prerequisite to advancing a transaction. WSP continues to take a disciplined approach to acquisitions to maximize shareholder value and remains confident in its ongoing ability to capture future opportunities and deliver on its strategic ambitions.”
WSP proposals “carefully reviewed and unanimously rejected” by Arcadis Boards
A statement issued by Arcadis in response to the announcement said it “noted” that WSP Global had decided not to proceed with a public offer, commenting:
“WSP's two proposals were carefully reviewed and unanimously rejected by the Executive Board and Supervisory Board as fundamentally undervaluing Arcadis' intrinsic value, strategic position and future prospects. Additionally, it would raise concerns regarding execution of strategic plans, cultural fit, and integration risks, with adverse consequences for Arcadis' shareholders, employees, clients, and other stakeholders.”
Heather Polinsky, CEO, commented:
“Arcadis is a purpose-led, people-first business with a 138-year heritage and a unique culture built around long-term client relationships, employee ownership and sustainable value creation. Peter de Wit and I want to say, on behalf of the Executive and Supervisory Boards, that we are grateful for the valuable and inspiring feedback from shareholders, clients, and Arcadians over the last several months. We will build on what makes our culture distinctively Arcadis and strengthen our performance muscle. Our differentiator is bringing people and performance together with care.”
Arcadis will provide a comprehensive update on its medium-term strategy at its Capital Markets Day, scheduled for 29 September 2026 in Amsterdam.
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