Rimkus Consulting Group, a Houston-based forensic engineering and technical consultancy, has acquired M & E Engineering Consultants, a Vaughan, Ontario-based firm specializing in mechanical, electrical, and fire safety engineering for buildings.

In business for more than 40 years, M & E focuses on mechanical and electrical designs for commercial, institutional, and high-rise residential buildings. The firm specializes in energy savings conversions, including chiller and boiler design upgrades, new lighting design, and water savings conversions.

M & E also delivers building reviews, problem investigation services, and fire alarm upgrades and replacement.

The firm has more than 40 professional engineers, LEED consultants, designers, and project managers.

Rimkus’ acquisition of M & E will expand its capabilities in mechanical, electrical, and life safety engineering, as well as enhance the firm’s Canadian presence.

Rimkus greatly expanded its Canadian operations last year when it purchased IRC, a Toronto-based building engineering specialist with 150+ employees across 15 Canadian offices. Rimkus had previously had a single Canadian outpost in Toronto.

The M & E deal will bring Rimkus’ footprint to 950 employees across 90+ offices in the US, Canada, and UK. The firm provides forensic engineering, technical consulting, and expert witness services to insurance companies, law firms, corporations, and government agencies.

“At Rimkus, we’re on a mission to grow our practice areas and teams from within while also capitalizing on opportunities to expand our reach through acquisitions,” said Curtis Brown, chairman and executive director of Rimkus. “The new addition of M & E Engineering Consultants to our team will deepen our proficiency in core service areas while upholding the high standards our clients have come to know from Rimkus.”

Ed Porasz, president of M & E, added, “We’re excited to bring our technical insights, backed by Rimkus’ resources and growing network, to provide even more industry-leading consulting services and options to our customer base.”