SSOE Announces Acquisition of Healthcare Design Firm, Martell Associates Healthcare Architects

TOLEDO, OH, March 28, 2008 – SSOE, Inc. one of the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms, is proud to announce that they have acquired healthcare design firm Martell Associates Healthcare Architecture, Inc. The acquisition will benefit both companies and their clients by providing more resources and experience, as well as expanded geographic reach. SSOE has identified healthcare as a key market and has expanded organically to support recent successes nationally and locally. Martell’s additional project experience, expertise and client relationships will enhance their national healthcare design practice leveraging the experience of SSOE’s healthcare teams across the United States.

“As part of our corporate goals, we are expanding our core healthcare expertise to provide better service our healthcare clients in Ohio and other areas of the United States. Acquiring Martell Associates gives us the opportunity to enhance our capabilities in the healthcare market and also affords their existing staff the opportunity to grow professionally” said David Verner, AIA, Senior Vice President, Healthcare.

Chris Vogelpohl, AIA who has been with Martell for 10 years and has over 30 years experience in healthcare design Vogelpohl will handle the day-to-day operations of this group. Chris and the rest of the team will be supported by SSOE’s David Rose, AIA, Vice President, Healthcare. The group brings an impressive backlog of work with them and will continue to serve their existing clients. Several of the nearly 20 Martell employees have experience working with SSOE in the past.

Martell’s president, Mr. Terry Martell, a former SSOE employee, sold the firm and will serve as a consultant to SSOE. TheMartell team will remain in their existing space until later in 2008.

About SSOE Group

As an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, SSOE is known for delivering unparalleled client value that advances the AEC industry. They have been named a “Great Workplace” (Great Place to Work®) and one of the “Best AEC Firms to Work For” (BD+C).

Over the company’s 75-year history, it has earned a reputation for providing quality project solutions to high-tech and general manufacturing clients in the semiconductor, automotive, battery, food, chemical, and glass industries. SSOE also provides forward-thinking design across healthcare and general building sectors such as corporate workplace, education, and judicial—with projects completed in 40 countries. Visit www.ssoe.com for additional information and career opportunities.

Media Contact:
Jenni Roder
(419) 469-1918
(419) 351-6480 cell
jroder@ssoe.com