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AXYS Press Release

Two Leading Western Canadian Consulting Firms Unite

CALGARY, Alberta (April 11, 2005) - Jacques Whitford Ltd. and AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd., two leading western Canadian environmental, scientific and engineering consulting firms, have concluded an agreement to unite. This agreement will create a premier western Canadian consulting team dedicated to clients in resource and government sectors addressing challenges in natural and built environments. The combined organization will have offices in every Canadian Province and two Territories. “By joining together we have both taken a significant step forward in our long-term growth strategies”, says Bob Youden, CEO of Jacques Whitford.

Combined operations will include 15 regional offices and 45 locations across Canada, in the U.S. and internationally. The two employee-owned firms will consolidate ownership with AXYS becoming a wholly owned subsidiary within the Jacques Whitford Group. “By coming together, we are creating an organization with broader ability to serve our common and future clients across the western region and beyond”, says Bob Seager, formerly President and CEO of AXYS.

Youden goes on to say, “Each of our two firms have more than 30 years of success, Jacques Whitford growing from Atlantic Canada and AXYS from Western Canada. Building upon these roots and substantial market presence, our synchronized operations will capitalize upon complimentary strengths and relationships to accelerate our common growth and opportunities.”

The combined western Canadian team includes nearly 400 staff, a significant component of the nearly 1400 staff across North America and internationally. Although both firms will continue to operate under their own names they will immediately begin a process to identify the best ways to integrate services and collaborate towards common objectives. Seager assumes the position of Western Regional Vice President for Jacques Whitford with overall responsibility for combined operations and will also act as the Chief Operating Officer of AXYS. Dan Michaud will continue to oversee Jacques Whitford’s western operations as its Western Region Chief Operating Officer. “We see broad horizons and tremendous opportunity for staff at all levels and in all stages of careers, building on synergies in services, disciplines and clients”, says Youden. There are no anticipated layoffs at either firm. “We believe that the opportunities that arise from our enhanced capabilities will justify additional recruitment and hiring in the near and long term”, says Seager.

“Personnel of both firms have previously worked collegially with each other on a number of projects,” says Youden. “Now we have the opportunity to define and achieve our common future.”

Bob Youden, CEO, Jacques Whitford Ltd.
Bob Seager, President and CEO, AXYS Environmental Ltd.