By: Jim Rosenberg Two of the biggest and best-known names in newspaper architecture, design, engineering, and consulting are preparing to merge before year's end.
Chicago-based McClier Corp. and The Austin Co., headquartered in Cleveland, are entering the due-diligence phase of the expected merger under McClier's parent, Aecom.
"Aecom has entered into a letter of intent with The Austin Company to merge the organizations of McClier and The Austin Company," McClier vice president Don Mills confirmed Monday.
"We expect the closing to take place within about 60 days," Mills said, adding that integration of the organizations would commence after the closing. Mills said he was unable at this point unable to discuss what shape that integration may take or its impact on staffing.
The fact that each company is more prominent than the other in certain areas will affect "how the branding and marketing will evolve," said Mills. "The inclination is that the Austin brand will be the primary brand."
Executives at The Austin Co. could not be reached immediately for comment.
The number of North American architectural firms with specializations in newspaper facilities has has shrunk from seven in the 1990s to two or three today, as some have left the newspaper business and others merged.
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