OEST augments AMEC’s ability to provide mechanical, electrical and structural engineering and architecture services, which are strategic to the continued growth of AMEC’s business with the U.S. Federal government.  The acquisition also bolsters AMEC’s civil engineering design and sustainable design resources in the U.S. and provides additional Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) skills.

Harvey Oest, President and founder of OEST, said: “By joining AMEC we will add value for our clients and our staff.  As part of a growing and dynamic global organization, clients will have access to a broader array of services and our staff will see new technical and professional opportunities open up across the nation and abroad.”

The acquired company will continue to operate as OEST Associates, Inc. for a short interim period, until the necessary business, architecture and engineering licensure conversions to AMEC are completed. 

AMEC provides consultancy, engineering and project management services to the energy, power and process industries. With annual revenues of over US$4 billion, AMEC designs, delivers and maintains strategic and complex assets for its customers. AMEC’s Natural Resources, Power and Process and Earth and Environmental businesses employ over 23,000 people in more than 30 countries globally.

The sale price of $4.5 million was announced in mid October 2008 with Reeves and Longfellow assuming immediate stewardship of the 300-member private club located in the heart Maine’s Mid-Coast.

“We could not imagine two more worthy or qualified people to take our work and to continue it,” said Jeff Harris, president of Bath, Maine-based Harris Golf, which purchased Boothbay CC in 1994.

When the firm purchased the property in 1994, Boothbay CC was a public, nine-hole course. Harris Golf subsequently renovated the Wayne Stiles nine, added a new one, took the club semi-private, developed 21 lots, and either courted or hosted prestigious tournaments such as the 2005 Maine Amateur. In 2007, the club went fully private and capped membership at 300.

The deal financing was arranged by the Savings Bank of Maine.

“We are proud — thrilled — to work with Harris Golf,” said Arthur Markos, president of Savings Bank of Maine. In the present unsettled economic climate, Markos says it is a sign of Savings Bank of Maine’s stability. “The Boothbay transaction underscores the wisdom of keeping business — at all levels — local.”

“Good deals always get done, and this is a good deal,” Harris added. “This shows that credit markets aren’t dry when cash flows are demonstrable. It also shows that golf in Maine remains a viable business. We continue to see opportunity here because our visions for new projects and the transformation of existing properties are always based on the realities of specific markets.”

Harris Golf Group, based in Bath, Maine, is one of New England’s premier course development, construction and management companies. It operates Freeport Country Club adjacent to world famous L.L. Bean; the award-winning Sunday River Golf Club in Newry, Maine; Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono, Maine; and the new Old Marsh Golf Club in Wells, Maine.

Photograph by course photographer Larry Lambrecht

“We are thrilled to have Walsh Electric Supply in Rutland join the NESCO family and look forward to working with the associates to strengthen our presence in Vermont,” stated Gregory Wilson, President of NESCO. “Walsh has an excellent reputation for high-quality customer service, and we look forward to providing even greater levels of service through the resources of a larger organization, including a regional distribution center and the latest technology.”

Founded in 1953, Walsh Electric Supply is a family-owned and operated electrical distributor serving contractors and industrial and commercial accounts. The Rutland branch, in operation for 25 years. is a full-service branch with approximately 7,900 sq. ft., including 1,400 sq. ft. counter operation and 6,500 sq. ft. warehouse. Bill Mangan will continue as branch manager of the newly named Yankee Electric Supply branch in Rutland.