JACKSON, Miss. (April 14, 2023) – Neel-Schaffer, Inc., has finalized the acquisition of CE Group, Inc., a civil engineering firm based in Pascagoula, Mississippi. This acquisition will allow Neel-Schaffer to broaden its clientele and services on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where it currently has offices in Biloxi, Gulfport, Hancock County, and Pascagoula.
“We have a history of working with the CE Group on a variety of projects and have always enjoyed a great working relationship,” said Steve Twedt, PE, Senior Vice President for Neel-Schaffer’s South Mississippi Operations. “We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition will bring for both CE Group and our clients.
“Combining forces will mean increased resources, streamlined services, and expanded capabilities. This will allow us to better serve clients by adding depth, capacity, and expertise.”
Founded in 1973, CE Group (formerly known as Compton Engineering) was established with a commitment to delivering quality engineering services to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Today, CE Group has grown into a diversified firm that offers expertise in a variety of professional services, including civil, structural, environmental, planning, modeling, estimating, scheduling, surveying, project management, and more.
Geoffrey Clemens, PE, President of CE Group, shared, “While considering options for entering into the next era of our firm we decided to explore options for a possible partnership or sale to further strengthen the foundation and abilities of CE Group. After only a few meetings with Neel-Schaffer we discovered an ideal partnership.
“Our firms share identical core values and a shared dedication to enhancing the lives of our communities and employees. I know that Neel-Schaffer will take great care of our clients and employees.”
This acquisition will help further diversify the services offered to clients by Neel-Schaffer, the largest engineering firm based in Mississippi. Headquartered in Jackson, Neel-Schaffer currently operates 18 offices in Mississippi and has 38 offices overall, providing services in nine southeastern states. Neel-Schaffer also operates two subsidiary firms – Maptech, a survey and mapping firm based in Pearl, Mississippi, and True North Emergency Management, a disaster recovery firm based in Arlington, Texas – and has more than 500 employees.
Robert Walker, PE, Neel-Schaffer’s Chief Operating Officer, applauded the move while paying tribute to the CE legacy.
“The Compton name has been synonymous on the Gulf Coast with quality engineering and integrity for 50 years,” Walker said. “This move will make Neel-Schaffer stronger not only in our Biloxi, Hancock County, and Pascagoula offices but across the company.”
