Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. and Yaggy Colby Associates sign letter of intent to merge

St. Paul, MINN. — Engineering/architecture companies Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) and Yaggy Colby Associates announced their intent to merge. The pending merger agreement will leverage the strengths of both companies resulting in greater value for clients and employees. SEH is considered one of the largest engineering firms in Minnesota based on the number of licensed professional engineers employed.

The merger provides the firms’ public and private clients access to more resources and technical capabilities. While the talent-rich companies have individual areas of technical expertise, the merger will increase the geographic reach and breadth of services to both companies’ clients. SEH CEO/President Sam Claassen, P.E., and Yaggy CEO/President Bob Ellis share in their excitement to merge the companies.

“Early in the due diligence process, we recognized the value in serving additional geographies and bringing additional areas of technical expertise to our clients,” said Claassen. “Much like SEH, Yaggy’s work is well-known, well respected and award-winning. We look forward to leveraging the talents of both companies for the benefit of our clients, our employees and ultimately for the world around us.”  

“The day we merge with SEH, we will have immediate opportunities to bring additional technical capabilities to benefit our clients,” Ellis said. “The merger will also provide more opportunities for our employees who represent our greatest assets and serve as the foundation of our Company.”  

Claassen shared his commitment to grow the business in the communities where Yaggy currently has offices – Rochester, Minnesota; Mason City, Iowa; and Delafield, Wis. “SEH and Yaggy bring an unwavering dedication to being involved in the communities where we office, live and work. In the case of SEH, this commitment spans 85 years,” said Claassen. Ellis echoed a similar sentiment, “At Yaggy our service goes beyond the work day, whether it’s volunteering in our schools, with local business organizations or sponsoring community events, we have a passion for staying connected and involved in our clients’ communities.”  

In conclusion, Claassen states, “We look forward to integrating these two great companies. We are excited for the many excellent opportunities ahead to support our clients, develop our people, grow our business and build a better world for all of us.”

The pending merger is conditional based on final transactions associated with a merger. The merger is expected to be complete by June 1, 2014.