ARCADIS Consortium Wins Multi-Million Euro Assignment for Improvement Infrastructure in the...

Business Editors

ARNHEM, Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2001

ARCADIS (Nasdaq: ARCAF; Euronext: ARCAD) today reported that it is among a consortium of three companies that has been awarded an extensive assignment by the Belgian Government, aimed at the improvement of the infrastructure

The three companies will take part in the consortium as equal partners. The consortium, operating under the name Studiegroep Antwerpen Mobiel (SAM), to which ARCADIS' subsidiary GEDAS belongs, will develop, coordinate and implement a new masterplan for the city of Antwerp and its surroundings which is aimed at the improvement of the mobility of this region. This project is essential in order to keep the region attractive to work and live in. The total value of the project for the consortium is expected to be approximately EUR100 million over a period of more than 10 years.

The plan consists of completion of the Antwerp beltway through the construction of a tunnel under the Schelde river and a bridge over the docklands in the harbor area of this port city. The project also involves the improvement and construction of access roads and the extension of light-rail lines to outside the city centre in connection with park & ride facilities. In addition, locks and waterways will be modernized and improved to enable increased transport via cargo ships, intended to relieve highways in and around the city centre from freight traffic. The total plan is budgeted at EUR 1.4 billion and is expected to be completed in 2012.

The multidisciplinary approach and experience in similar complex projects that needed to be completed within a tight time-schedule were decisive in the selection of the consortium. The project plan proposed by the companies offers a broad range of consulting services in the field of structural engineering, spatial planning, urban development, mobility, environmental protection, environmental impact assessments, project management and project finance services. The latter includes exploring the possibilities for financing through public-private partnership-constructions to make the various individual infrastructure developments which are proposed in the master plan profitable.

Commenting on this project, Michiel Jaski, member of the Executive Board of ARCADIS, stated, "This mega project will get us involved in infrastructural developments in and around Antwerp for at least the next ten years, and fits very well in our strategy to grow strongly in the infrastructure segment. Furthermore, it underpins that ARCADIS is in an outstanding position to handle large-scale integrated infrastructure projects."

ARCADIS is an international knowledge-based services organisation in the fields of infrastructure, environment, buildings and communications. Wherever the Company operates it aims to improve the physical quality of the living and working environment. From strong local market positions the Company works on integrated projects for public and private sector clients. Founded in 1888, ARCADIS currently has some 8,000 employees. The Company belongs to the top ten in its business worldwide.

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Those risks include, among others, risks associated with possible changes in environmental legislation and risks with regard to the Company's ability to acquire and execute projects. These and other risks are described in ARCADIS' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission over the last 12 months, copies of which will be available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from the Company.