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Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Acquires Florida Planning and Engineering Firm

VHB's Southeast Regional Manager, Michael J. Carragher, said that the acquisition is in response to growth opportunities and the improving economic climate in Florida.

"VHB is bullish on Florida," Carragher said. "This is a result of the long-term growth strategy that VHB has put in place in our top markets. We sought the right firm with strong leadership, project innovation and similar values. In Florida, we found this with MSCW."

Steve Miller, founder and CEO of MSCW, said both firms adapted their focuses to provide services needed in Florida's modified economy. As a result, VHB and MSCW ended up teaming up on several projects.

"Our firms began working together in 2008 and recognized a synergy we just couldn't ignore," Miller said. He noted the firms already are working jointly on major projects such as a high-speed rail station and corridor, urban and redevelopment planning for cities and counties throughout Florida.

Both firms have portfolios that include many significant projects and distinguished clients. VHB, ranked among the nation's top design and transportation engineering firms, provides services for projects in Florida and throughout the U.S.: Florida's High Speed rail program - Lakeland station, I-95 Express in south Florida, master planning for University of South Florida, APM Terminals Interchange Design-Build in Virginia, Patriot Place in Foxboro, Mass., Harvard University and Philadelphia International Airport EIS. MSCW has won awards for planning provided to the City of Jacksonville and sustainable community leadership throughout Florida.

VHB MillerSellen provides comprehensive planning, design and engineering services specifically serving airports and port authorities, commercial real estate, county and municipal governments, departments of transportation, energy, education, the federal government, health care, institutional, real estate, retail, transit and rail, utilities and water resources. www.vhbmillersellen.com.

VHB has 19 offices along the U.S. East Coast and headquarters in Watertown, Mass. near Boston. The firm employs a staff of 750, including planners, engineers and environmental scientists serving public and private clients. The company is owned by its employees with 2009-reported revenues of $135 million. VHB has been named among the top 100 design firms and is ranked 36^th in the nation in transportation by Engineering News-Record. For more information go to www.vhb.com.

MSCW is an award-winning design and engineering firm founded in 1977. The company has built a solid reputation for its innovative, elegant residential communities and complex roadway designs. MSCW is synonymous with sustainability and visionary projects throughout Florida. Among other honors, the company was awarded the American Planning Association's Florida Award of Excellence. MSCW reported 2008 revenues were $12 million. For more information go to www.mscwinc.com.

VHB MillerSellen
Vanessa D. Ryder, Lead Communications Specialist
619-924-1770
Vryder@vhb.com
or
Dori Madison, Business Development Director
407-839-4006
dmadison@vhb.com