Hughes Associates and RJA Group Announce Merger

BALTIMORE and CHICAGO, June 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Associates and RJA Group announced today that they have reached a definitive merger agreement between the two companies, which will position the combined organization as a global leader in providing a range of specialty engineering and consulting services in the commercial, institutional, industrial and power marketplaces.

The transaction creates a leading provider of lifecycle building consultancy services that will include, risk analysis, system design, commissioning, research, testing and project management solutions that encompass fire protection, security and related disciplines.

"The built environment is going through a transition where engineers are involved throughout the design, development and construction of a project," said David Boswell, president of Hughes Associates. "In order for our business to continue the growth cycle we've been experiencing, we have to add the skilled and complementary services needed to fulfill the requirements that our clients are seeking. RJA brings to the table a flawless global record and reputation as well as an unprecedented staff with widespread technology expertise."

Combined, both companies have more than 79 years of experience and bring together 500 employees, offices throughout the world and more than $100 million in revenue. Hughes Associates will now expand into a larger international footprint while RJA will utilize the extensive research and development for which Hughes is known.

"This merger is mutually beneficial for Hughes and RJA," said Martin Reiss, president of RJA Group. "We will be able to further leverage our technical resources in order to provide even greater opportunities to service our clients. This partnership will also provide great career growth potential for our employees."

Phil Rogers will assume the position of CEO of the merged companies and will bring over 38 years of experience in facilities management, engineering, energy construction and real estate. The transition and integration of the companies will be completed by year's-end and will include a new name and branding.

About Hughes Associates

Hughes Associates, Inc. operates as a fire protection and life safety engineering and consulting company. It offers services in the areas of fire protection engineering and design, building and fire code compliance and representation, accessibility code consulting, and fire protection systems commissioning. Hughes is a technical leader in specialized consulting, including fire research and testing, dust hazards, forensic, and risk and external hazards.  Core fire protection capabilities are supplemented by electrical engineering, environmental, training, and security services. The company serves healthcare, transportation, higher education, A&E services, government, DoD and DoE, power generation, transmission and distribution, historic buildings and museums, and industrial and petrochemical clients. Hughes was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland with offices worldwide.

About RJA

Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc. (RJA) is a professional consulting firm providing an extensive range of value-added engineering and construction management services on projects involving life safety, fire protection, and building codes for commercial, institutional and industrial clients worldwide. Operating from offices in the United States, Asia and The Middle East, RJA consultants have participated on more than 50,000 projects in 60 countries around the world. Founded in 1969, RJA is recognized as a global leader in fire protection engineering, construction management, life safety and building code consulting.

SOURCE Hughes Associates