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 | Investigations Dataset

Stanford Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Clearinghouse a Collaboration with Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Investigations Dataset

 
Investigation into PBSJ's Activities in Qatar · The PBSJ Corporation

Information & Summary

Investigation into PBSJ's Activities in Qatar

Related FCPA Matter:   PBSJ Corporation's Involvement in Qatar between 2008 and 2009 Information

Information & Summary

Investigation Name:    Investigation into PBSJ's Activities in Qatar

Trend:    None

Type of investigation:    Internal, SEC, DOJ

Other Agencies Investigating/Assisting with SEC/DOJ Investigation:    Unknown

Whistleblower:    Unknown

Summary

The PBSJ Corporation (“PBSJ”) was an employee-owned engineering and construction firm incorporated in Florida and headquartered in Tampa. PBS&J International, Inc. (“PBS&J Int’l”) was a wholly-owned subsidiary of PBSJ headquartered and incorporated in Florida. PBS&J Int’l was a provider of engineering, architectural and planning services in international markets, including the Middle East. PBS&J Int’l currently is a subsidiary of WS Atkins plc.

In its 8-K report dated December 30, 2009, PBSJ first disclosed that the Audit Committe of its Board of Directors was conducting an internal investigation to determine whether any laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, may have been violated in connection with certain projects undertaken by PBS&J Int’l in certain foreign countries (the “International Operations”). 

The Audit Committee completed the internal investigation in May 2010, and the results of that investigation suggest that FCPA violations may have occurred. According to PBSJ, the investigation "did not result in a conclusion that any violation extends beyond the International Operations or that members of the Company’s executive management were involved in criminal conduct." PBSJ voluntarily disclosed this matter to the DOJ and to the SEC, and indicated that it was cooperating fully with the government's review.

On October 1, 2010, WS Atkins plc acquired PBSJ. That same day, PBSJ filed a Form 15 with the Commission, which terminated all offerings of its securities and removed all remaining securities from registration under Section 12(g). PBSJ is now known as Atkins North America Holdings Corporation and no longer offers public stock in the U.S. Disclosures concerning the investigations terminated at this point.

The SEC filed settled enforcement actions against PBSJ and its former executive, Walid Hatoum, on January 22, 2015.

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