Ross & Baruzzini, Inc., an international engineering consulting and design firm based in St. Louis, has acquired COMgroup, Inc., a noted independent telecommunications consulting firm with offices in Kirkland, Wash.  The acquisition expands Ross & Baruzzini’s current technology service offerings deeper into the western U.S., now anchored by the new office in suburban Seattle.

Financial terms were not disclosed.   The acquisition is the fifth consummated by Ross & Baruzzini since 2016. 

Founded in 1985, COMgroup serves the public and private sectors with state-of-the-art communications consulting, infrastructure design and planning, operational process improvement and project management.

Craig Toder, chairman of Ross & Baruzzini, commented: “The COMgroup acquisition is strategic for us in two respects.  First, it enables us to better serve domestic and international clients based in the Pacific Northwest – the capital of the global technology world. Second, it gives us a platform to introduce other areas of specialization in the transportation, healthcare and government sectors. We’re excited about the potential for growth.”

J.R. Simmons, president of COMgroup, said the acquisition will benefit COMgroup’s clients and employees.  “We are excited to combine resources with those of Ross & Baruzzini. The partnership will expand and enhance the capabilities and expertise available to clients and increase the value of the services we provide. It will also open new avenues for the professional growth of our employees."

COMgroup will become a division of Ross & Baruzzini and immediately partner withEDI, Ross & Baruzzini’s technology division, to integrate operations. Simmons will collaborate with William H. Overturf, III, Ross & Baruzzini president, and EDI managing principal, Mark McComb, to incorporate COMgroup into the Ross & Baruzzini organization.

Overturf remarked: “From the onset of discussions, we were attracted by the natural synergies evident between our companies and the opportunity for us to enhance our deep focus on technology.  COMGroup’s clients will continue to work with COMgroup staff, complemented by Ross & Baruzzini and EDI multi-disciplinary expertise. We look forward to extending the full spectrum of our joint capabilities to new clients nationwide.”