Purchase of US company providing problem gambling services, drug testing management and employee assistance programs, expands US operations

ATLANTA, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ – Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of employee assistance programs (EAPs), human resources consulting and technology, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Bensinger, DuPont & Associates (BDA), a leader in problem gambling services, drug testing management and EAPs.

“This acquisition affirms our commitment to expand our operations and service offerings globally, with a particular emphasis on the US market,” said Stephen Liptrap, Executive Vice President, Morneau Shepell. “Workplace issues are increasingly complex and organizations are looking to experts for assistance. As a result of this deal, we are pleased to welcome a talented team of specialists who will help drive our continued growth and meet the unique and ever-evolving needs of our clients.”

In business for more than three decades, BDA was founded by Peter Bensinger and Dr. Robert DuPont who are known for their influence on national drug, behavioral health and employment policy in the US. Peter Bensinger, former Administrator of the US Drug Enforcement Administration, is staying on at BDA as a consultant for two years to support the transition.

“Joining Morneau Shepell is a solid step forward for the growth of our company, the services we provide our clients and for increased opportunity for our employees,” said Peter Bensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bensinger, DuPont & Associates. “It represents a good fit in values and will let us expand our service offerings with Morneau Shepell’s clinical best practices, technology and worldwide presence.”

More than 75 highly experienced professionals from BDA have joined Morneau Shepell. With the purchase, all BDA clients will see their services continued uninterrupted. These clients will work with the same team members who know them, their business and their needs.

In addition to the existing Morneau Shepell offices in the United States in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, St. Petersburg and Salt Lake City, this transaction will extend the Company’s US presence by adding offices in Chicago and San Diego.

Morneau Shepell is a North American leader in EAPs and health and benefits administration, consulting and services. In 2012, Morneau Shepell acquired US-based SBC Systems to enhance its benefits administration platform (the Ariel™ system). Earlier this year, the Company acquired the US health and welfare benefits administration business of Ceridian. In June, Morneau Shepell was named one of the top five defined benefit pension plan providers in the United States by PLANSPONSOR magazine.

About Morneau Shepell Inc.

Morneau Shepell is a North American company with global reach offering an integrative approach to health, benefits, retirement and employee assistance needs. In the US, Morneau Shepell provides expertise in plan administration, retirement solutions and billing management with a highly flexible technology platform that improves its clients’ performance. With nearly 50 years of experience, the Company has almost 4,000 employees and serves approximately 20,000 clients ranging from health plans, small businesses, large corporations, associations, unions, and local and state governments. For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

About Bensinger, DuPont & Associates

Bensinger, DuPont & Associates promotes healthy outcomes for the workplace, employees, individuals and their families. Originally founded to provide Drug-Free Workplace consultation and policy development in 1982, BDA began offering employee assistance services in 1986. Today, it is one of the largest EAPs in the nation, serving approximately 10 million lives. BDA also provides innovative problem gambling services, serving 11 states, drug testing management services and customized help lines. This comprehensive portfolio of offerings illustrates its commitment to helping people navigate life’s challenges and supporting organizations’ focus on healthy, sustainable business practices. For more information, visit bensingerdupont.com.

SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.