Recent A/E/C Mergers and Acquisitions

Posted on: 09/15/17

Written by: PSMJ Resources, Inc.

Topics: Mergers & Acquisitions

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

August 28, 2017 – Global engineering and professional services consulting firm WSP (Montreal, Canada) acquired Willoughby Engineering (Chicago, IL), a 10-person mechanical/electrical/plumbing and building performance firm. “With the addition of Willoughby Engineering we now have a 20-person strong building systems team in Chicago, enabling us to face the market with a core group of staff focused on a range of integrated services spanning structural, MEP and related specialty services,” said David Cooper, President of WSP USA’s buildings practice.

August 31, 2017 – Jacobs Engineering Group (Dallas, TX) acquired Blue Canopy (Reston, VA), a data analytics, cybersecurity and application development firm, as part of ongoing investments to expand Jacobs Connected Enterprise solutions. “We welcome the Blue Canopy team to Jacobs and the capabilities they bring to the table to help our clients work smarter while being safer and more secure,” said Jacobs Aerospace and Technology Senior Vice President Darren Kraabel.

September 1, 2017 – Global engineering and professional services consulting firm WSP (Montreal, Canada) acquired Leggette, Brashears and Graham, Inc. (Shelton, CT), a 150-employee groundwater and environmental engineering services firm. The LBG acquisition is aligned with WSP's 2015-2018 Strategic Plan. It will bolster WSP's Water and Environment practice by increasing its groundwater geology capabilities, strengthening its environmental services expertise and expanding its national footprint.

September 5, 2017 – Full-service multi-disciplined professional consulting and design firm H2M architects + engineers (Melville, NY) acquired Ehasz Giacalone Architects (Farmingdale, NY), a full-service architectural firm. “In addition to good people, and quality architects, we acquired a diversified portfolio furthering our market reach and additional leadership in our fast-growing firm,” said H2M Senior Vice President Joe Mottola.

September 5, 2017 – Engineering firm DEVITA (Greenville, SC) acquired Elm Engineering (Charlotte, NC). "We're excited to have Elm join us," said Darren Springer, President of DEVITA. "Their expertise in renewable energy and vast project experience with sustainable systems, including LEED services, will add value to all of our commercial and institutional projects.”

September 7, 2017 – NV5 Global (Hollywood, FL), a provider of professional and technical engineering and consulting solutions, acquired environmental services firm Marron and Associates (Albuquerque, NM). “Marron’s environmental planning and permitting (EP&P) practice will meaningfully enhance NV5’s environmental services vertical in a market we know quite well,” said Dickerson Wright, PE, Chairman and CEO.

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.