A/E/C Mergers and Acquisitions in November

Here’s a recap of some of the latest A/E/C mergers and acquisitions making headlines…

November 17, 2017 – CannonDesign (Boston, MA) announced a merger with architecture firm FKP Architects (Houston, TX). "Today's merger with FKP intentionally increases CannonDesign's commitment to total health solutions with a focus on children's health, while advancing our design impact, being a top-tier employer and taking a stronghold in key geographic areas like Texas and Ohio,” says CannonDesign’s CEO Brady Lukanic.

November 16, 2017 – Ausenco (Vancouver, Canada) announced the acquisition of environmental consulting firm Hemmera (Burnaby, Canada). "The acquisition of Hemmera significantly strengthens our existing suite of consulting offerings and will enable us to offer value-added environmental solutions to our clients throughout the Americas," says Ausenco CEO Zimi Meka.

November 12, 2017 – Moseley Architects (Richmond, VA) announced a merger with architecture firm Marks Thomas (Baltimore, MD). “Our two organizations have recently collaborated, so I know that this merger affords us an even greater depth of resources to serve our clients. Furthermore, this merger is consistent with the strategy we have successfully used throughout our firm's evolution: enter new markets while expanding our geographic footprint," says Mosely Architects’ President Stewart D. Roberson.

November 2, 2017 – Adler & Allan (Harrogate, UK) announced the acquisition of environmental consulting firm OHES Environmental (Wokingham, Berkshire, UK). “OHES is a highly respected environmental consultancy that has built a fantastic breadth of client-focused services over the past 15 years to help businesses tackle, overcome and resolve environmental challenges in specific markets and sectors. Many of its consultants and specialist teams are already well known to us and we’re delighted to welcome them into the A&A Group, where together we can offer clients a greater range and depth of resources than ever before,” says Adler & Allan’s Commercial Director Henry Simpson.

November 9, 2017 – GMCN (Garden City, KS) announced the acquisition of architecture firm PBA Architects (Wichita, KS). The two firms have done projects in similar areas of work such as schools. With evident synergies, PBA joins GMCN to help increase the bandwidth by providing additional hands on deck. “We felt like it was a good thing to combine forces,” says GMCN Owner Stewart Nelson.

November 8, 2017 – Coffman Engineers (Seattle, WA) announced a merger with structural engineering firm Hope-Amundson Inc. (San Diego, CA). “The best deals are the win-win. We will strategically help Coffman with their Southern California presence and for Hope-Amundson, this allows us to join a larger firm, offer our clients more services, and look for opportunities in other areas,” says Hope-Amundson Principal Jim Amundson.

November 8, 2017 – GEI Consultants (Woburn, MA) announced the acquisition of environmental engineering firm Inland Seas Engineering (Traverse City, MI). “This merger brings immediate benefit to our existing clients through new services and will allow our staff to service additional clients in our community,” says Inland Seas Engineering Founder Becky Smits.

November 2, 2017 – Matthew Montague Architects (Longford, Ashbourne, UK) announced a merger with architecture firm Montague Architects (Derby, UK). “We are looking forward to growing our current team and welcoming five new team members to our offices in Longford. The larger team will enable us to take on more projects. We will continue to focus on commercial, education, sports and residential projects,” says Matthew Montague Architects Principal Matthew Montague.

October 26, 2017 – Commonwealth Architects (Richmond, VA) announced a merger with architecture firm Dayton Thompson & Associates PC (Richmond, VA). “We have known Architects Dayton Thompson & Associates for many years and recently teamed with them on projects. Going forward, we are excited about the opportunities and synergy that this merger will provide. Commonwealth Architects’ diverse portfolio compliments the experience of Architects Dayton Thompson & Associates, and will help broaden our design capabilities in the years to come,” says Commonwealth Architects Principal Lee Shadbolt.

October 3, 2017 – CHA Consulting, Inc. (Albany, NY) announced the acquisition of architecture and interior design firm PDT Architects (Portland, ME). “PDT brings CHA experienced licensed architectural resources that will enhance our ability to expand our service offerings in many of our markets. This partnership is extremely positive for both companies. Our values and vision are very well aligned, and I am confident that together, these two firms will continue to responsibly improve the world we live in,” says CHA President & CEO Mike Carroll.

October 3, 2017 – MG2 (Seattle, WA) announced the acquisition of architecture firm Fuller/Sears Architects (Seattle, WA). The move reflects MG2’s desire to strategically increase its retail and commercial design practice. “Joining MG2 and its impressive team will allow us to greatly expand our client base, project types and geographic reach,” says Fuller/Sears Architects Principal Bill Fuller.

Merger & Acquisition (M&A) activity in the architecture and engineering space is certainly on the upswing and well on its way to reaching pre-recession levels. But, how ready are you for taking on the task of buying or selling an A/E firm? If you are looking for tips to help your firm navigate through the M&A process, check out PSMJ complimentary ebook M&A Survival Tips for A/E Firm Leaders.