Perkins+Will has announced a merger with Toronto-based Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners. Established in 1945, the 80-person Canadian firm works across many sectors where Perkins+Will already has a strong presence—including healthcare, education, and institutional—and also has a strong presence in sports and recreation facilities, an area into which Perkins+Will has shown interest in expanding. Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners has completed a number of YMCA buildings and community recreation centers across Canada.

In a press release on the acquisition, Perkins+Will CEO Phil Harrison said, “the Shore Tilbe Irwin merger supports our strategy to grow by targeted acquisition, as it represents a pooling of expertise that will bring significant benefits to our business.” The corporate takeover will bring Perkins+Will’s North American office count to 19, and it will be the U.S.-based megafirm’s second office in Canada.