SOCOTEC, Inc., a leading provider of Testing, Inspection and Certification, consulting and advisory services with a strategic focus on building construction and infrastructure, announced June 8 that it has completed the acquisition of Conversano Associates, Inc., a New York City-based code consulting and permit expediting firm.

Established in 1983, Conversano Associates has built a reputable business delivering outstanding service to its clients throughout the permit application and approval process on more than 500 projects annually through various city agencies across the five boroughs. The firm was led by three principals, President Lori Boccadoro and Vice Presidents Thierry Guye and Mike Cuevas. All three leaders are joining SOCOTEC as principals within the organization.

“The acquisition of Conversano Associates strengthens SOCOTEC USA’s code and planning offering, reinforcing its expertise in the field and further promoting its commitment to building and code compliance,” summarized Jeremy Schinasi, principal of SOCOTEC USA and practice leader responsible for strategic partnerships and integration. In addition to providing building and zoning code consulting and compliance services, Conversano Associates provides a wide range of services throughout New York City, including obtaining and expediting permits, city agency research, application filing and review, project inspections, plan review and approvals, forensic research of violations, certificates of occupancy and completion signoffs.

“We welcome Lori, Thierry, Mike and the entire team from Conversano as we build upon the strong presence we have in New York City and continue to build out our service offerings throughout the country,” added Marc Weissbach, CEO of SOCOTEC USA.

Conversano experts bring greater depth and experience to SOCOTEC USA through their collaboration with various agencies, such as the New York City Department of Buildings (throughout the five boroughs), Department of Transportation, Bureau of Highway Operations, Transit Authority, Fire Department, Landmarks Preservation Commission, Department of Health, Environmental Control Board, Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, and Consumer Affairs.

Selected renowned projects that Conversano Associates serviced include The New York Public Library, U.S. Open Grandstand Tennis Stadium, Brooklyn Army Terminal, NYU, Columbia University and Battery Park Conservancy.

“We at Conversano are thrilled to be joining the SOCOTEC team,” Boccadoro said. “This will strengthen and expand the services that we provide our clients, with an even stronger code consulting and permitting team. Joining SOCOTEC allows us to expand into additional complimentary services, including the greater sustainability field which we are passionate about.”

“We are excited to continue to build on our success and add depth of expertise with the addition of the Conversano team,” said Robert LiMandri, senior principal of SOCOTEC USA, leader of SOCOTEC’s existing code and zoning practice, and former New York City Building Commissioner.

“SOCOTEC Group is a leading international group with a business footprint in 26 countries,” added Hervé Montjotin, CEO of the SOCOTEC Group. “As an independent, trusted third party for the integrity of built assets, the expertise on compliance to regulation and building codes is at the heart of our mission. With Conversano Associates joining our U.S. team, we are constantly working on building the best-ever value proposition to the American market on how we can make a difference for a sustainable and safer building environment.”