A/E/C Mergers and Acquisitions in January

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

January 1, 2018 – Walsh Engineering (Westbrook, ME) announced a merger with engineering firm Pinkham & Greer Civil Engineers (Portland, ME). "Given the present rapid pace of real estate development, we are truly excited about our joint, expanded capabilities in civil engineering in Maine and elsewhere in New England," said Walsh Engineering’s William R. Walsh III.

January 9, 2018 – 3north (Richmond, VA) announced a merger with Visible:Proof (Richmond, VA). “The merger will allow the new 3north to provide clients with expertise in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, master planning and corporate branding under one roof,” said 3north Managing Principal Jay Hugo.

January 9, 2018 – NELSON (Philadelphia, PA) announced a merger with FRCH Design Worldwide (Cincinnati, OH). “FRCH’s expertise and 50 years of experience in creating award-winning retail, hospitality, restaurant, entertainment and retail mixed-use environments and innovative consumer experiences is not only complementary to our organization, but positions us to respond to the changing disruption across multiple industries,” said NELSON CEO John Nelson Jr.

January 16, 2018 – NV5 Global, Inc. (Hollywood, FL) announced the acquisition of Butsko Utility Design (San Diego, CA). “The acquisition of Butsko will provide additional leadership and technical resources to fuel our continued growth in meeting the increased demands for additional services by our clients. The acquisition is conducive to NV5’s strategy of growing a national platform serving utility companies and the building industry,” said NV5 CEO Dickerson Wright.

January 17, 2018 – GRAEF (Milwaukee, WI) announced the acquisition of Consulting Engineering & Science, Inc. (Miami, FL). "Consulting Engineering & Science's team joining with GRAEF is an important step toward creating a southeastern hub, similar to what we've done in the Midwest," said GRAEF CEO John Kissinger.

January 17, 2018 – POWER Engineers Incorporated (Hailey, ID) announced the acquisition of Zephyr Environmental (Austin, TX). “Our combined teams will significantly elevate our environmental practice, providing expanded services for clients as well as exciting opportunities for our employees to work on fun and challenging projects,” said POWER CEO Bret Moffett.

January 17, 2018 – Tetra Tech, Inc. (Pasadena, CA) announced the acquisition of Norman Disney & Young (North Sydney, Australia). “The addition of NDY to our sustainable infrastructure design practice will enable Tetra Tech to offer technically differentiated solutions to our commercial and government clients on a global scale,” said Tetra Tech CEO Dan Batrack.

January 17, 2018 – SmithGroupJJR (Ann Arbor, MI) announced the acquisition of TRO (Boston, MA). “We were already teamed with TRO to deliver projects in the region, including working together at Exeter Hospital and on Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. This move allows us to be closer to those clients while continuing to expand our portfolio in other markets,” said SmithGroupJJR Managing Partner Russ Sykes.

January 19, 2018 – GZA GeoEnvironmental (Norwood, MA) announced the acquisition of geotechnical firm Melick-Tully and Associates (South Bound Brook, NJ). “Joining a dynamic company like GZA gives us the opportunity and expertise to expand and diversify our services to all of our clients in New Jersey as well as our other markets. We see this as a tremendous win-win for both MTA clients and the GZA/MTA team,” said MTA President Gene Gallagher.

January 25, 2018 – Tetra Tech, Inc. (Pasadena, CA) announced the acquisition of BridgeNet (Newport Beach, CA). “By combining the expertise of Tetra Tech and BridgeNet, we have expanded our ability to provide technologically differentiated solutions for life-cycle aviation services from airspace and ground support to environmental and aviation demand modeling and forecasting worldwide,” said Tetra Tech CEO Dan Batrack.

January 28, 2018 – M+ Architects (Sioux City, SD) announced a merger with Stone Group Architects Inc. (Sioux Falls, SD). Prior to the merger, the firms had worked together frequently and noticed they were both of a similar size, had similar cultures and thought they would complement each other.

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.