Union-based Intren has announced its intent to acquire Indiana-based Miller Construction Co. Inc.

Intren is a specialty utility contractor, and Miller Construction is a full-service electrical contracting company. Both businesses are led by women. The acquisition will allow Intren to broaden its footprint and better serve its customers, CEO Kelly Tomblin said.

“We have operations throughout the U.S.” she said. “[The acquisition] will further our geographic scope. We have a hole right now between Illinois and Ohio. … We also found a company that really shares our culture.”

Tomblin said Intren has fought for growth over the past 30 years while maintaining its status as a woman-owned company, which means the business must be picky about where its equity comes from.

“It’s really hard to grow above a certain level if you don’t have a funder that is a woman or minority,” she said. “Those are few and far between.”

Intren founder and board chairwoman Loretta Rosenmayer said she agrees that the match in values and culture is a strong asset.

“With Miller Construction, we have found a culture match and an experienced execution partner, as well as a company that shares our values and our vision of transforming the way business is done,” Rosenmayer said. “Miller Construction is a family-owned business with a long history of exceptional safety and meeting customers’ needs, which makes them a natural fit for the Intren family.”

Miller Construction CEO Christina Ernst will join Intren’s woman-controlled board of directors and said she is thrilled about the merger.

“Not only does Intren embody the principles and values of Miller Construction Co., but we provide complementary services that will help Intren achieve continuous growth and become a total utility solutions provider,” Ernst said. “Together, we are well-positioned for industry leadership that will provide creative solutions for our customers.”

Intren employs about 1,600 workers, and Miller has about 175 employees. Intren officials plan to close on the deal within the next couple of weeks, Tomblin said.

Tomblin declined to comment about how much Intren will pay for the acquisition.