Environmental services firm acquired by national consulting company

A Massachusetts-based, national consulting firm has acquired Newark-based Brinkerhoff Environmental Services, the two announced this week.

VHB, which is expanding to meet market demands in New Jersey, will take over BES’ environmental science firm, which has three offices in the Garden State.

“As we considered our growth and expansion in New Jersey, finding an organization who shares VHB’s values of client service, quality and collaboration was important,” Glen Kirkpatrick, VHB’s New Jersey managing director, said in a prepared statement. “With shared core values, together we will reinforce our focus on delivering a differentiating client experience.”

Laura Brinkerhoff, CEO and president of BES, and John Checchio, senior technical adviser, will join VHB as principals, while numerous other members of the 44-person team will join as associates. The firm will become part of VHB and operate under the Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. brand.

While BES’ team has been operating remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will primarily be located in the Manasquan and Newark offices going forward, serving clients in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

“By joining forces, we strengthen our team in New Jersey and our ability to provide a full array of integrated services to clients across the state,” Kirkpatrick said.