One of the city’s largest locally owned engineering firms is combining with another Ottawa company in an effort to expand its service offerings and market share. Adjeleian Allen Rubeli Ltd. acquired local engineering firm Goodeve Structural’s book of business in a deal that closed Thursday. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. In an […]
One of the city’s largest locally owned engineering firms is combining with another Ottawa company in an effort to expand its service offerings and market share.
Adjeleian Allen Rubeli Ltd. acquired local engineering firm Goodeve Structural’s book of business in a deal that closed Thursday.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
In an interview with OBJ earlier this week, AAR president Jean-Michel Carrière said Goodeve Structural founder Peter Goodeve was looking to “dial back” his involvement in the business and focus more on his day-to-day work as an engineer.
Carrière explained that both firms share the same accountant, McIntyre & Associates partner Andrew Milne, who suggested Goodeve might want to explore the possibility of integrating his organization into AAR’s operations.
“(Goodeve) saw a potential fit,” said Carrière, adding the two companies began discussing a potential deal last fall.
The transaction is not technically an acquisition, Carrière explained. Goodeve and his five-person team are moving over to AAR, while Goodeve Structural is being dissolved and will no longer exist as a separate entity.
“He’s really an engineer’s engineer and he wants to do that,” Carrière said of Goodeve, describing his new colleague as a “great addition” to the firm.
In a statement, Goodeve noted he began his professional career at AAR in 1993, adding “it’s a great thing to see my career come full circle and help provide continuity to my staff and clients while supporting AAR into the future.”
Both companies specialize in structural engineering, meaning they ensure a building’s frame and other elements of its “envelope” are constructed properly.
Founded in 1955, AAR has about 45 employees, including 17 licensed engineers, making it one of the capital’s largest locally owned engineering firms.
Although Goodeve Structural was a much smaller organization, Carrière said it has a strong reputation in its main target market, the mid-rise and highrise residential sector.
“This type of joining of two local firms, to me, is a huge plus for Ottawa,” he added. “Our vision is really to double down on Ottawa and just make sure that smaller firms can survive (in a) competitive market.” 
