COLUMBUS, OH (10/03/05) -- Columbus-based BBS Corporation, a consulting engineering firm specializing in planning, design, and construction administration of water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems, has been acquired by CH2M HILL, a global engineering services firm based in Denver, CO.

"By joining the CH2M HILL enterprise, BBS is able to tap into the company's world-class technical resources, at the same time continue our rich working relationship with longtime and recent clients," said Ed Vance, BBS chairman.

Tom Searle, CH2M HILL's Water Business Group president, agrees, saying that the acquisition of BBS Corporation is a strategic fit for the firm. "With clients demanding more specialty technical expertise, this acquisition is a win-win for both companies," said Searle. "BBS employees will acquire tremendous career growth opportunities, while CH2M HILL will benefit from BBS' very talented workforce, its healthy client base and its strong engineering and technical reputation."

Since 1937, BBS has developed a reputation for designing and engineering high-quality water and wastewater treatment, conveyance and distribution systems for its clients.

The firm has completed more than 200 water/wastewater system projects for clients including the City of Columbus (since 1948), Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (since 1971), and District of Columbia Water and Sewerage Authority (since 1986).

The acquisition of BBS Corp. allows CH2M HILL to enact key company strategies including expanding work for key clients in the Ohio market; acquiring additional conveyance and wet weather treatment expertise and experience; leveraging a local east coast presence; and positioning itself in Ohio's emerging design-build market.

For more information, go to:  www.ch2mhill.com or www.bbsengineers.com.

Headquartered in Denver, employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global firm providing engineering, construction, operations, and related technical services to public and private clients. With more than $3 billion in revenue, CH2M HILL is the largest program management firm, the largest construction management-for-fee firm, and the fifth largest design firm in the United States, as ranked by Engineering-News Record (2005). The firm's work is concentrated in the areas of transportation, water, energy, environment, communications, construction, and industrial facilities. CH2M HILL has more than 14,500 employees in 200 offices worldwide.