Cardno Limited Signs Letter of Intent to Merge With JFNew

HOUSTON, Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardno ENTRIX, a premier natural resources management and environmental consultancy, announced today that its parent, Cardno Limited, has signed an agreement to merge with JFNew, a Midwest leader in ecological consulting, ecosystem restoration and native plant nursery operations. JFNew has regional offices in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

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Once the agreement is finalized, JFNew will become an integral contributor to Cardno ENTRIX and will gain access to the Australian-based parent's comprehensive global network of 3,800 employees, corporate resources, and diverse solutions portfolio. In return, JFNew brings to the broader organization a much stronger Midwestern presence, particularly in the strategic Great Lakes Region; a multitude of complementary consulting capabilities; as well as one of the leading native plant nurseries in the United States.

Todd Williams, President of Cardno ENTRIX, stated, "We consider JFNew to be an exceptional natural resource management consulting firm based upon their longstanding reputation and client service excellence."

"Most noticeably, combining forces will strengthen our presence in the Great Lakes Region and across major river basins throughout the Central U.S. In addition, JFNew complements our existing consulting strength with industry leading capabilities in natural resource restoration, environmental permitting, and water resources management, all key areas of emerging growth across the U.S. Moreover, we hold their senior management capabilities and experience in high regard, and are pleased to have them as part of our team," Mr. Williams added.

Since its founding over 25 years ago, Cardno ENTRIX has become a recognized leader in natural resources management, water resources management, permitting and compliance, and environmental and natural resource liability management. Among its broad suite of offerings, the firm is highly respected for its environmental and economic assessments and the associated restoration, rehabilitation and monitoring of impacted sites.  

Will Ditzler, JFNew President and CEO, said, "Joining the Cardno ENTRIX team is an important step in the next chapter of growth for our company and an exciting opportunity."  

"Our goal in deciding to merge with Cardno ENTRIX and the Cardno family was threefold: to offer clients expanded services, increase our geographic reach, and create new gateways of opportunity for our talented staff.  Looking ahead, I am optimistic about realizing the full potential this combination offers," Mr. Ditzler added.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year.

About Cardno ENTRIX and Cardno Limited:

Cardno ENTRIX is an environmental and natural resource management consultancy specializing in water resources management, natural resources management, permitting and compliance, and liability management. The firm also employs a strong team of economists and litigation support experts. Cardno ENTRIX is a member of Australian-based Cardno Limited, a family of companies whose integrated professional services are used to plan, design, manage and deliver physical and social infrastructure solutions in developed and emerging economies around the world. Cardno Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange [ASX: CDD] and its global network encompasses over 150 offices worldwide and a combined resource base of more than 3,800 employees.  www.cardnoentrix.com, www.cardno.com

About JFNew:

Founded in 1989 in the Great Lakes Region to help clients navigate natural resource regulations and work in partnership with federal and state regulatory agencies to obtain wetland permits, today, JFNew is a 150-person consulting firm with particular niches in natural resources management, environmental permitting, habitat restoration, mitigation banking, native plant materials, and cultural resources consulting.  In addition to its corporate headquarters and 130-acre native plant nursery in northern Indiana, JFNew has regional offices in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. www.jfnew.com

SOURCE Cardno ENTRIX