Freese and Nichols Acquires Nicol & Associates
13 April, 2011Freese and Nichols, a statewide leader of engineering, architecture and environmental services, has announced its acquisition of Nicol & Associates, a Richardson-based provider of comprehensive engineering services to the oil and gas industry. This strategic acquisition enables the firm to increase its presence in the oil and gas industry by expanding its capabilities to provide a full range of services for producers and midstream clients.
"The complementary strengths offered by each of our firms is a powerful combination that will allow us both to expand the scope of services we offer current and prospective clients," said Kendall King, engineering manager for Freese and Nichols and head of the firm’s Energy Group. "This is a great opportunity for us to enhance all of our customer relationships."
With the ability to offer clients a full spectrum of services, Freese and Nichols plans to increase its presence among companies operating in the Barnett and Eagle Ford Shales, as well as pursue new opportunities in the Haynesville and Marcellus Shales. The company will also pursue new opportunities with existing clients by capitalizing on the firm’s ability to provide complete project support when a customer’s internal staff does not have the capacity or capability to meet the needs of their development program.
Prior to the acquisition, the firms worked together on a drilling project at DFW International Airport for Chesapeake Energy Corporation. Nicol & Associates was already engaged in pipeline engineering when Freese and Nichols came on board to assist with water pipelines.
"From the moment we started working together, I recognized the similarities between our companies. So, when Freese and Nichols approached me about the acquisition I knew this would be a good match," said Mark Lane, former owner and president of Nicol & Associates. "We share the same philosophy about management and customer service, which has helped to make this a seamless transition for our staff and clients."
Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Nicol & Associates office and staff have transitioned to Freese and Nichols, with Lane now serving as manager of the firm’s oil and gas engineering group. King oversees the firm’s Energy Group, which includes the oil and gas team.
"The only thing that has changed is our name," said Lane. "Our location, our team, and our commitment to quality and service remain the same."
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