Zweig Group releases mid-year mergers and acquisitions report

This report details some of the biggest trends and movements regarding M&A activity in the AEC industry

/EIN News/ -- Fayetteville, AR, July 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The AEC industry continues to surge, presenting unparalleled opportunities for growth and innovation. At Zweig Group, our mission to Elevate the Industry™ drives us to equip leaders with the insights and strategies needed to navigate this dynamic landscape. It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the 2024 M&A Next Symposium in Tampa Bay, Florida, on September 17. This one-day symposium focuses on firm transitions and acquisitions. Where other events are focused on creating a forum for buyers and sellers to engage, M&A Next is focused on higher level business strategies and approaches – shaped by unique sessions for buyers and sellers. The event will be an experience that helps attendees design their future as a buyer or seller. We will kick this event off with the most experienced legal team in the AEC industry – George Christaduolo and Peter Grupp. The pair will take us through a legacy that celebrates the AEC industry’s past while looking forward to the future. The schedule for the full-day M&A Next event the following day is filled to the brim with insightful keynotes, engaging panels, and focused breakouts – providing high ROI for a one-day event. The M&A Next Symposium is sponsored by Ames & Gough and Unanet. Learn more or register here.

Mergers and acquisitions have become increasingly critical in the AEC industry, and understanding the latest trends and strategies is vital for staying ahead. Zweig Group tracks every M&A transaction that takes place in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry and reports on them on a weekly basis. This process allows us to stay up to date with the latest M&A trends in the AEC industry and report our findings to you. The following report details some of the biggest trends and movements regarding M&A activity in the AEC industry as of the end of Q2 2024.

Overview of AEC deal activity in 2024

After hitting a low in Q3 of 2023, AEC deal volume has shown a strong resurgence in the first half of 2024. As of June 27, there have been 324 closed transactions, reflecting the momentum seen at the beginning of 2023. The first quarters of both years recorded similar numbers of transactions. However, Q2 2024 experienced a 5 percent increase compared to Q2 2023, with 153 closed deals versus 145. The ideal target size for acquisitions has also grown, with the average size of sellers' firms reaching 30 FTEs year-to-date, slightly higher than the averages of 25 and 26 FTEs in the previous two years.

Some of the most active buyers of 2024 have been Salas O’Brien, NV5, SLR, and Verdantas, each with five transactions to date. Montrose Environmental Group, Atwell, Bowman Consulting Group, The SOCOTEC Group, IMEG, LJA, WSP, and Michael Baker International are all close behind, each completing four transactions thus far. These serial buyers are a good indicator for the AEC M&A market as their continued activity reflects confidence in market conditions and the strategic value of acquisitions. Large firms are leveraging acquisitions to expand their service offerings, geographic reach, and technical capabilities. This trend not only demonstrates the strength and resilience of the AEC sector but also signals robust growth opportunities for firms of all sizes looking to enhance their market position through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. 

High demand for engineering services amid regulatory and infrastructure initiatives

To date, 102 sellers have been single-discipline engineering firms, with civil engineering and environmental services emerging as the most sought-after service lines, accounting for 24 percent and 17 percent of all deals through Q2, respectively. This high demand is largely driven by ongoing needs in water/wastewater, transportation, and infrastructure projects, fueled by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, which is set to disburse approximately $350 billion through 2026.

Another significant driver is the Biden administration's announcement in April 2024, alongside the EPA, of the first-ever national legally enforceable drinking water standard for PFAs. This initiative includes an additional $1 billion to assist states in funding PFA detection and treatment systems to meet the new standard. This funding is part of the $9 billion allocated through Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to address PFAs and other emerging contaminants in drinking water. Additionally, $12 billion supporting general drinking water investments is included in the Justice40 initiative, which ensures that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities.

Private equity’s continued appetite in AEC firms

Continuing from 2023, the resurgence of private equity in the AEC industry continues to be a notable trend. In Q2, private equity-backed firms or PE buyers accounted for 36 percent of all deals, indicating strong interest in direct investment within the sector. While there is optimism surrounding 2024 M&A activity, expectations have tempered. The year began with robust activity, mirroring the start of 2023. However, Q2 saw a slight pullback in total activity due to ongoing uncertainties around interest rates and geopolitical factors. 

Geography 

Geography in the AEC industry plays a pivotal role as many buyers seek out firms in key locations. Once again, leading the pack are California, Florida, and Texas, accounting for 21 percent of total deals. Compared to Q2 of 2023, California has overtaken Texas and Florida to retake the top spot as the most popular location. This year, the distribution among the top three states is more balanced, whereas last year, Florida dominated the start of the year with 30 deals, compared to the 19 and 18 transactions in Texas and California, respectively.

Additionally, there has been a slight shift toward a broader geographic focus, with international deals gaining traction. The proportion of international transactions has increased by 1.9 percent, moving from 32.4 percent of all deals through Q2 2023 to 34.3 percent year-to-date. This trend highlights the growing importance of global market expansion for larger AEC firms, as they seek to diversify their portfolios and tap into emerging markets. The increased international activity also underscores the strategic emphasis on building a robust global presence to mitigate regional market risks and capitalize on cross-border opportunities.

 Outlook

While staying current with industry trends is crucial, AEC leaders must go beyond mere observation. They need to proactively navigate the dynamic landscape, discerning myriad changes to identify which trends align with their strategic objectives. This ability to filter out the noise and focus on relevant shifts is essential for making informed decisions that will propel their businesses forward. A survey conducted by PwC showed that 82 percent of U.S. CEOs said the average company in their industry will not be in business in 10 years if it fails to change its current business model.

With the U.S. election rapidly approaching, the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine, thereby weakening federal environmental protections, and the Federal Reserve scaling back to only one planned rate cut in 2024, there is no shortage of externalities for business leaders to monitor. While these developments present challenges, the overall sentiment in the M&A landscape remains positive.

To navigate these complexities, it is essential for business leaders to develop a robust and well-thought-out strategic plan. Ensuring that their M&A strategy aligns with this plan can enable them to leverage acquisitions as a critical tool in their arsenal, particularly in turbulent market conditions. By staying agile and responsive to external changes, firms can identify and capitalize on opportunities that enhance their competitive positioning and drive growth.

Despite the concerns over regulatory shifts, economic policy, and political uncertainties, a strategic approach to M&A can provide a pathway for stability and expansion. Business leaders who prioritize alignment between their M&A activities and overarching strategic goals will be better equipped to manage risks and seize market opportunities, ultimately contributing to a resilient and thriving enterprise.

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About Zweig Group

Zweig Group, three times on the Inc. 500/5000 list, is the industry leader and premiere authority in AEC firm management and marketing, the go-to source for data and research, and the leading provider of customized learning and training. Zweig Group exists to help AEC firms succeed in a complicated and challenging marketplace through services that include Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Valuation, Executive Search, Board of Director Services, Ownership Transition, Marketing & Branding, and Business Development Training. The firm has offices in Dallas and Fayetteville, Arkansas. Subscribe to the Zweig Group's and receive weekly insights delivered straight to your inbox.

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Sara Parkman
                    Zweig Group
                    800.466.6275
                    sparkman@zweiggroup.com