Construction Nexus, a major excavation company in Quebec, is facing significant challenges. The company has recently been placed on the “blacklist” of public contracts due to environmental violations and has simultaneously taken steps to protect its assets from creditors, according to La Presse. Concurrently, the wife of its president has quietly registered a new company, Construction Nexor, offering similar services, located near Nexus’s headquarters.
Financial Difficulties and Legal Challenges
Nexus, comprised of four distinct companies, discreetly sought protection from creditors in March. Ten days later, its Ontario subsidiary declared bankruptcy. The group reports outstanding debts totaling approximately $23 million, with nearly 180 creditors involved.
Nexus has worked on major projects including Autoroute 19, as well as projects for Hydro-Québec and the City of Montreal. Three years ago, Investissement Québec provided the company with a $2 million loan and at that time, Nexus’s annual revenue exceeded $200 million, according to statements made by President Romeo Sacchetti to Le Devoir.
These actions arrive as Nexus faces scrutiny from the Autorité des marchés publiques (AMP). In January, the AMP added Nexus to the Registry of Ineligible Companies for Public Contracts (RENA) due to repeated alleged violations of the law and environmental infractions. Nexus is prohibited from bidding on or entering into any public contracts.
Company management declined an interview with La Presse, stating in a brief email that they intend to “contest the decision” and have initiated legal proceedings. They maintain that the AMP’s stated reasons “do not correspond to [their] understanding of the circumstances.” Nexus also declined to comment on its efforts to protect itself from creditors.
A History of Financial Restructuring
While the Nexus companies seek to shield themselves from creditors, changes are occurring within the company’s leadership. In November, Antonio Sacchetti transferred his roles of treasurer and secretary to his brother, Romeo, who already serves as president and is now the sole administrator.
Romeo Sacchetti’s wife, Brenda Tedeschi, who previously served as president of Nexus, has resigned from the board of the company that owns Nexus. Since then, she has established three new companies registered at an address near Nexus’s headquarters in Laval.
One of these companies, Nexor—whose logo closely resembles that of Nexus—is registered as a “rental of equipment, materials and tools” company. Nexus has not commented on its relationship with Nexor.
The Sacchetti brothers have faced bankruptcies before. In 2014, two of their companies—Les Entreprises Sacchetti and Servan Excavation—filed for bankruptcy. That same year, both brothers declared personal bankruptcy, and their wives created new companies, one of which would grow Nexus. Two years later, the Sacchetti brothers officially took the helm of these companies.
Nexus quickly secured significant public contracts, but also attracted the attention of Quebec authorities. The Ministry of the Environment issued two sanctions against Nexus in Mirabel for dumping soil in wetlands, where hydrocarbons were also detected. In the spring of 2024, authorities in Kanesatake publicly denounced the frequent truck traffic from the Sacchetti brothers’ companies, alleging the dumping of contaminated soil near the shores of the Ottawa River.
The Mohawk Council demanded that Nexus and its president halt the dumping. The City of Laval has also repeatedly criticized Nexus for unauthorized activities on its properties, including tree felling, encroachment on wetlands, and illegal landfilling. A city spokesperson confirmed to La Presse in 2024 that Laval has been involved in multiple disputes with Nexus since 2018 regarding unauthorized land use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Construction Nexus?
Construction Nexus has been placed on the “blacklist” of public contracts due to environmental violations and has sought protection from creditors. Its Ontario subsidiary has declared bankruptcy.
What is the relationship between Construction Nexus and Construction Nexor?
Construction Nexor is a newly registered company established by the wife of the president of Construction Nexus, offering similar services and located near Nexus’s headquarters. Nexus has declined to comment on the relationship.
What actions have authorities taken against Nexus?
The Autorité des marchés publiques (AMP) has added Nexus to the Registry of Ineligible Companies for Public Contracts (RENA). The Ministry of the Environment has issued sanctions for environmental violations, and the City of Laval has been involved in multiple disputes with the company.
As Nexus navigates these legal and financial challenges, it remains to be seen what steps the company will take next, or whether it will be able to resolve its outstanding issues and regain eligibility for public contracts.
