ICF buys air transport consulting firm

ICF International Inc. will pay $51 million cash to acquire Simat, Helliesen and Eichner Inc., a large consulting firm that has served airlines, airports, domestic and international transport agencies for more than 40 years.

By purchasing SH&E, ICF will strengthen its position in airline, airport and aviation industry consulting, the company said, and significantly expand its market position in several federal areas, said Sudhakar Kesavan, chief executive officer at ICF.

For example, ICF will combine its program implementation and environmental analysis services for the Federal Aviation Administration with SH&E's domain expertise in air transport economics, demand forecasting, airport planning and safety, expanding the range of services available to meet FAA needs.

In addition, SH&E's extensive worldwide experience in airline and airport safety, security and operations will enhance ICF's support of the Homeland Security Department's Transportation Security Administration.

SH&E is a privately held company with offices in New York, Boston, London, Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Ore. Its executives and employees will remain with ICF following completion of the transaction.

ICF, based in Fairfax, Va., is a management and technology consulting firm.