Core Insights - Alithya Group inc. has appointed Pierre Blanchette as Chief Financial Officer, effective July 28, 2025, to oversee financial operations and support the execution of the strategic plan [1][3] Company Overview - Alithya is a strategic consulting and digital transformation services provider that leverages AI and the latest technologies to solve business challenges, enabling clients to unlock new opportunities and modernize processes [4] Leadership Background - Pierre Blanchette is a Chartered Professional Accountant with nearly 30 years of finance experience, including roles as Senior Vice President and CFO at Colabor Group Inc. and various positions at Fiera Capital Corporation [2] Executive Statement - Paul Raymond, President and CEO, expressed confidence in Pierre Blanchette's ability to drive financial performance and lead teams, emphasizing the importance of his expertise in achieving strategic objectives [3]

Core Viewpoint - WSP Global Inc. has announced the acquisition of Ricardo plc for 430 pence per share, reflecting a strategic move to enhance its presence in high-growth sectors globally [1][3][4] Company Overview - WSP Global Inc. is a leading professional services firm operating in over 50 countries with approximately 73,000 employees, focusing on engineering, advisory, and science-based solutions [19] - Ricardo plc is a global consulting firm with around 2,700 experts across more than 20 countries, specializing in strategic, advisory, and engineering solutions in transport, energy, and environmental sectors [2][20] Acquisition Details - The acquisition represents an enterprise value of approximately £363.1 million (around $670 million), equating to a multiple of 10.4x Ricardo's pre-IFRS 16 underlying EBITDA for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2024 [4] - WSP will acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Ricardo, excluding a 19.9% interest which will be acquired from Science Group plc [6][9] Strategic Alignment - The acquisition aligns with WSP's 2025-2027 Global Strategic Action Plan, focusing on expanding in advisory, energy transition, water solutions, and the rail sector [3][4] - Ricardo's expertise in rail, air quality, water management, and energy resilience complements WSP's existing offerings and strengthens its market presence in key regions such as the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands [3][4] Financing and Support - WSP has secured a fully committed £230 million term loan facility (approximately $425 million) to finance the acquisition, supplemented by cash on hand and existing credit facilities [11] - Royal Bank of Canada is acting as the lead arranger for the new credit facility, ensuring compliance with the UK City Code on Takeovers and Mergers [12] Future Plans - Under WSP's ownership, Ricardo will continue its strategic review of its Automotive and Industrial (A&I) and Performance Products (PP) business units, with potential plans for divestment at an appropriate time [2][4]

Core Insights - U.S. employers are increasingly focusing on benefit strategies to navigate economic uncertainty and financial pressures, utilizing benefits as a strategic tool for engagement and retention [1][7] Benefit Cost Concerns - Rising benefit costs are the primary concern for 90% of U.S. employers in 2025, a significant increase from 67% in 2023 [2] - Other major concerns include competition for talent (52%), enhanced employee experience expectations (43%), cost of living (39%), and mental health issues (32%) [2] Strategic Focus and Spending - Employers are shifting their focus to benefits that provide real value, emphasizing personalization and informed decision-making [3] - With medical care costs growing at double-digit rates, employers are challenged in delivering health benefits (44%), wellbeing programs (44%), and leave benefits (36%) [4] Reallocation of Spending - A notable shift is observed, with 63% of employers planning to reallocate or rebalance their spending in the next three years, compared to just 8% in the previous year [5] - 73% of employers aim to address high costs by enhancing value or switching to better-value vendors across various benefits [5] Priority Areas for Improvement - Companies are prioritizing areas such as maximizing value, mental health, health benefits, financial wellbeing, and family support over the next three years [6] - Employers are also focusing on improving communication and utilizing nudges to influence employee behavior and enhance the overall experience [6] Survey Details - The 2025 Benefits Trends Survey included responses from 696 U.S. employers across diverse industries, conducted from early March to mid-April [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the precarious state of the U.S. economy, highlighting the impact of fluctuating trade policies and the potential risks that could lead to a recession, despite recent employment growth and stable unemployment rates [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Indicators - In May, the U.S. added 139,000 jobs, with the unemployment rate remaining stable between 4% and 4.2% over the past year [1]. - Consumer debt delinquency rates have been rising for a year, raising concerns about the financial health of low-income borrowers and potential impacts on consumer spending [5]. Group 2: Major Risks - The article identifies three significant risks that could lead to severe consequences for the economy: 1. The fragile balance in the labor market, where companies are hesitant to lay off employees but are also not hiring, which could lead to a sudden spike in unemployment if demand weakens [4][5]. 2. A potential decline in consumer spending due to rising costs, with predictions of a 1% drop in housing prices this year as sellers outnumber buyers by nearly 500,000 [5]. 3. Financial market shocks or sudden shifts in sentiment, with rising long-term borrowing costs potentially affecting stock market performance and corporate profitability [6][7]. Group 3: Corporate Strategies - Companies are adopting various strategies to navigate the uncertain environment, with some choosing to wait and others adjusting supply chains. For instance, some firms are delaying price increases until trade policies stabilize [8]. - The overall sentiment among economists is that the likelihood of a recession has increased compared to earlier in the year, but remains lower than in April and early May [9].

Core Insights - FTI Consulting has appointed Mark White as a Senior Managing Director in the Construction, Projects & Assets practice within its Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment [1] - Mr. White brings over 20 years of experience in digital transformations that enhance enterprise value throughout the asset lifecycle [2] - His role will focus on assisting engineering and construction clients in planning, executing, and managing digital transformations, including software product implementation [3] Company Overview - FTI Consulting is a leading global expert firm specializing in crisis and transformation, with over 8,100 employees across 33 countries as of March 31, 2025 [5] - The company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during the fiscal year 2024 [5]

Core Insights - FTI Consulting has appointed Mark White as a Senior Managing Director in the Construction, Projects & Assets practice within its Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment [1] - Mr. White brings over 20 years of experience in digital transformations that enhance enterprise value throughout the asset lifecycle [2] - His role will focus on assisting engineering and construction clients in planning, executing, and managing digital transformations, including software product implementation [3] Company Overview - FTI Consulting is a leading global expert firm specializing in crisis and transformation, with over 8,100 employees across 33 countries as of March 31, 2025 [5] - The company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during the fiscal year 2024 [5]

Group 1 - The article does not provide specific insights or analysis on any companies or industries [1]

SYDNEY, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced the appointment of Mark Gossington as a Senior Managing Director in the Risk & Investigations practice within the firm’s Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment. Mr. Gossington, who is based in Sydney, brings more than 25 years of experience leading complex risk engagements and remediation programmes that have helped companies strengthen resilience under regulatory scrutiny, recover from misconduct issues and build ...

Core Insights - WSP Global Inc. has announced the acquisition of Lexica, a UK-based consulting firm specializing in healthcare and life sciences, which will enhance WSP's advisory capabilities in these sectors [1][3] - The acquisition adds 90 UK-based experts to WSP's Planning, Property and Advisory business, forming a new Healthcare and Life Sciences Advisory team [1][2] - This move aligns with WSP's growth aspirations for advisory services as outlined in its 2025-2027 Global Strategic Action Plan [3] Company Strategy - The acquisition supports WSP's strategic objective of strengthening its advisory capabilities and solidifying its leadership in the healthcare and life sciences sectors [4] - WSP aims to expand its footprint in key regions and strengthen partnerships to create a deeper impact in high-value end markets [4] Market Position - The addition of Lexica enhances WSP's established presence in the healthcare sector and follows its recent appointment as a consortium partner in the NHS' New Hospitals Programme [3] - WSP operates in over 50 countries and employs approximately 73,000 professionals, indicating a strong global presence [7]

Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs analyst Noah Poponak downgraded Booz Allen Hamilton from Neutral to Sell, lowering the price forecast from $108 to $94, citing limited revenue and earnings growth in the medium term and ongoing valuation risks [1]. Group 1: Revenue and Earnings Outlook - Medium-term revenue growth is now expected to be closer to flat due to pressure on federal civilian spending and shifting priorities within the U.S. Department of Defense [2]. - Organic revenue growth for Booz Allen Hamilton is anticipated to be flat for the next few years, which may take time for the stock to absorb after its previous strong growth [4]. Group 2: Contracting and Margins - The analyst highlights a shift toward more outcomes-based and fixed-price contracting in the sector, raising concerns about increased risk for contractors and potential pressure on margins [4]. - Federal civilian agency budgets are under pressure, with other government spending areas taking priority, which may impact Booz Allen Hamilton's performance [3]. Group 3: Market Reaction - Booz Allen Hamilton shares closed down by 4.70% to $104.66 following the downgrade [5].