Here’s a recap of some of the latest A/E/C mergers and acquisitions that have been announced in recent weeks.
October 8, 2018 – NELSON (Minneapolis, MN) acquired architecture and interior design firm Craft Architects (Seattle, WA). “This is a great opportunity for us to create a true nationwide presence in the industrial market and bring a fresh approach to designing these important spaces. Craft’s portfolio of state-of-the-art projects will also boost our profile as an innovative leader in the industrial market,” said NELSON Chairman John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr.
October 9, 2018 – Stantec (Edmonton, Canada) announced the signing of a Letter of Intent with Wood & Grieve Engineers (Perth, Australia). “WGE brings the creative culture, demonstrated expertise, and regional presence to help us continually serve communities throughout Australia with an expanded array of services and reach into new sectors,” said Stantec CEO Gord Johnston.
October 10, 2018 – Braun Intertec (Minneapolis, MN) acquired W&M Environmental Group (Plano, TX). “Our firms are well-aligned and our whole team is committed to being the Consultant of Choice for our clients. The addition of W&M complements our current services and allows us to provide enhanced environmental consulting services to our clients across Texas and nationwide,” said Braun Intertec CEO Jon Carlson.
October 19, 2018 – Sweco (Stockholm, Sweden) announced the acquisitions of Planet Engineering and Nexilis (both based in Belgium) and Götzelmann + Partner (Germany). "With these acquisitions, we further strengthen our expertise in the field of buildings and infrastructure. The entrepreneurial strength, the disciplines and the portfolio make us as a good match”, said Sweco Managing Director Erwin Malcorps.
October 22, 2018 – WorleyParsons (North Sydney, Australia) announced the acquisition of the energy, chemicals and resources businesses (ECR) of Jacobs Engineering Group (Dallas, TX). “The transaction will bring complementary capabilities in key business lines, including a best-in-class onshore and downstream maintenance, modifications and operations capability, allowing customers to benefit from an expanded integrated solutions offering,” said WorleyParsons CEO Andrew Wood.
October 23, 2018 – KAI Design & Build (St. Louis, MO) acquired Dorsey Engineering (Atlanta, GA). “Acquiring Dorsey also enables us to have greater opportunities in a prime engineering-focused role, as opposed to being an engineering subconsultant, which has generally been KAI Engineering’s role in the past. Dorsey Engineering has earned a reputation for engineering quality with superior name recognition. Both of our clientele will benefit greatly from our shared resources at the national level,” said KAI President Michael Kennedy, Jr.
October 29, 2018 – GeoDecisions (division of Gannett Fleming) (Harrisburg, PA) acquired consulting firm WorldView Solutions (Richmond, VA). "The acquisition makes great sense because, by combining forces, we are better equipped to invest in creating products that push the boundaries of geospatial technology," said GeoDecisions President Brendan Wesdock.
October 30, 2018 – Ross & Baruzzini (St. Louis, MO) acquired technology consulting and design firm EDI (Atlanta, GA). “EDI is widely respected in the markets it serves for its design and program management expertise in information technology, audio/visual, security and various technology systems. The acquisition gives us capabilities we’ve sought to more fully serve our markets and provides a broad platform for EDI’s long-term growth," said Ross & Baruzzini Chairman Craig Toder.
October 31, 2018 – Quinn Evans Architects (Washington, DC) acquired architecture firm BCWH (Richmond, VA). “There seemed like a nice overlap in what each of the firms were interested in and what the values were, so from that standpoint, it was a pretty easy conversation to have, joining forces,” said Quinn Evans President Larry Barr.
November 5, 2018 – NV5 Global (Hollywood, FL) acquired infrastructure engineering firm CHI Engineering (Portsmouth, NH). “NV5 has experienced a rapid increase in demand for our engineering, permitting, and construction services from our energy clients. The addition of CHI provides a monumental platform for accelerating our growth in the energy service market,” said NV5 CEO Dickerson Wright.
September 27, 2018 – HTW Architects (Russellville, AR) acquired architecture firm Bob Hiegel, Architect, P.A. (Russellville, AR). According to a press release announcing the transaction, “We are excited to have Bob Hiegel, Architect, P.A. join our team in Russellville. Having a firm with the local expertise and experience that they are bringing to our team is consistent with our goal of being the leading Architecture and MEP engineering firm in the State.”
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's complimentary ebook M&A Survival Tips for A/E Firm Leaders.
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