Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

12. Commitments and Contingencies

We are subject to certain claims and lawsuits typically filed against the engineering, consulting and construction profession, alleging primarily professional errors or omissions.  We carry professional liability insurance, subject to certain deductibles and policy limits, against such claims.  However, in some actions, parties are seeking damages that exceed our insurance coverage or for which we are not insured.  While management does not believe that the resolution of these claims will have a material adverse effect, individually or in aggregate, on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, management acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate resolution of these matters.

On April 17, 2012, authorities in the province of Quebec, Canada charged two employees of BPR Triax, a subsidiary of BPR Inc., and BPR Triax, under the Canadian Criminal Code with allegations of corruption.  BPR Triax generates approximately $4 million in annual revenue.  BPR Inc. is one of our Canadian subsidiaries, headquartered in Quebec City, Quebec.  Discovery procedures associated with the charges are currently ongoing, and the legal process is expected to continue into fiscal 2014.  We have conducted an internal investigation concerning this matter and we believe the allegations are limited to activities at BPR Triax prior to our acquisition of BPR Inc. in October 2010.  The financial impact to us is unknown at this time.