VANCOUVER, BC — J.S. Held, a global technical and forensic advisory firm, has expanded its Canadian footprint with the acquisition of GHL Consultants Ltd., a Vancouver-based fire engineering and building code consulting firm.

Founded in 1992, GHL has earned a reputation as a leader in fire safety, building code compliance, and forensic consulting. The firm employs 48 professionals and provides a wide range of services, including fire engineering solutions, Certified Professional services for building permits, wood fire safety consulting, transportation advisory, and legal support. Its clients include developers, architects, government agencies, hospitals, universities, and law firms.

Jim Stanilious, Senior Vice President and insurance services division lead at J.S. Held, said the acquisition strengthens the company’s technical expertise in Canada.

“GHL engineers and other team members’ technical knowledge enhances our ability to advise Canadian insurers; property owners and developers; provincial government agencies; and architectural, engineering, and law firms,” Stanilious stated.

Expanding a Canadian Presence

The move continues J.S. Held’s strategic expansion across Canada. Earlier this year, the company acquired Technorm, a Montreal-based forensic and building safety consulting firm. Previous acquisitions include Frostbyte Consulting (Calgary), specializing in environmental, health, and safety (EH&S); Examine Construction Consultants (Montreal), a boutique construction-focused firm; and Specialized Property Evaluation Control Services (Langley, BC), which focuses on property risk and loss quantification.

For GHL, the acquisition provides a platform for greater growth and access to J.S. Held’s global network of specialists.

“Joining J.S. Held provides an enhanced platform to continue our growth trajectory. We look forward to working with J.S. Held’s global team of forensic architects, engineers, fire investigators, chemists, materials scientists, and building code experts,” said Andrew Harmsworth, founding principal at GHL.

Global Scale, Local Expertise

Founded in 1974, J.S. Held has grown into a worldwide advisory firm with over 1,500 professionals operating across six continents. The firm supports law firms, insurers, and Fortune 500 companies in industries such as real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, financial services, and healthcare.

By adding GHL Consultants, J.S. Held deepens its ability to deliver specialized expertise in fire safety, code compliance, and forensic advisory—areas that are increasingly important amid stricter building codes, wildfire risks, and complex insurance claims.

Originally reported by Consulting. Ca.