Merger will reach more clients
Ukiah engineering firm Rau and Associates, led by George Rau and family, has merged with a Healdsburg/Ukiah locally owned business, Munselle Civil Engineering and Land Surveying (MCE).
Munselle made the announcement this week, citing Rau’s desire to retire after opening the company’s doors nearly 40 years ago.
Talks of a merger began in 2018 when Rau approached Munselle Civil Engineering owner Cort Munselle and asked if he was interested in expanding MCE.
At the time, MCE only had one small office in Ukiah and as Rau’s retirement approached Munselle couldn’t pass up the opportunity. The merger will allow the company to expand its services further throughout the area.
“We have been working in Ukiah and in the greater Mendocino County vicinity since I started the company in 2007, but merging with Rau and Associates will offer us a much larger reach … It is exciting growth for MCE,” Munselle said in a press release.
MCE worker of three years, Tyler Pearson P.E. will manage the merged offices. The main office is located at 513 Center St.
Rau, 75, says he’s looking forward to retiring, but will be on board for the first half of 2019 to help transition clients to Munselle.
“My client base can really use the services that Munselle can offer so that is a plus in my book,” Rau said. “I have a high degree of confidence in them. I’ve only known Cort for a year, but my sons have known him for three or four years and their (business) approach is very similar to ours.”
Munselle first met Rau a year or so ago after Munselle was introduced to his sons in 2010 and soon created a close working relationship and positive rapport with the family.
“I have a great deal of respect for engineers and surveyors like George and his family,” Munselle said. “It is guys like George who paved the way in our industry and created and maintained reputable and respectable business and relationships. They just work extremely hard and do solid work.”
Over the years Rau and Associates has provided project management, land surveying and mapping, wastewater design, construction services, site development and environmental services.
Since 2007 Munselle Civil Engineering has been providing planning services for Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino counties and established offices in each location.
