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HanmiGlobal acquires environmental consulting firm

Jan. 12, 2012 - 16:03 By Korea Herald
HanmiGlobal chairman Kim Jong-hoon (right) poses after signing an acquisition deal with Ecosian chief executive Eun Jong-hwan on Tuesday in Seoul.(HanmiGlobal Co.)
HanmiGlobal Co., a Korean construction management firm, has agreed to take over local environmental consulting provider Ecosian Co. to shore up its charge into the fledgling industry, officials said Thursday.

Under a deal signed Tuesday, HanmiGlobal and its chairman Kim Jong-hoon each will buy a 30 percent share in unlisted Ecosian for 2 billion won ($1.73 million). Ecosian chief executive Eun Jong-hwan will retain the remainder.

Launched in 2001, Seoul-based Ecosian has consulted for a slew of public agencies and private firms on technology solutions to climate change, carbon monitoring, waste management and other energy and environmental issues. Its former clients include LG Electronics, Samsung SDI, GS Caltex and the Korea Power Exchange.

Formerly known as HanmiParsons, HanmiGlobal said the acquisition will help jumpstart its drive to become a leader in green construction and renewable energy consulting.

“The deal will bolster our technologies, network and human resources for our eco-friendly business,” Kim said in a statement. “As for Ecosian, it will maximize synergy, driven by HanmiGlobal’s expertise in energy-efficient construction.”

In April, HanmiGlobal bought a 71-percent stake in OTAK Inc., a U.S. civil engineering and environmental design firm, for about $13 million.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)