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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between Speece Lewis Engineers And Bowman Consulting Group LTD.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Speece Lewis Engineers and Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. Speece Lewis Engineers, a transportation, bridge design, surveying, and hydraulics-focused engineering firm based in Lincoln, NE, was established in 1974. The company counts natural resource districts and federal, state, county, and municipal governments among its many clients.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between Data Science Automation (DSA) And Blackford Capital

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Data Science Automation (DSA) and Blackford Capital.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between WJ Project Services Limited and Amcomri Group Limited

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of electrical test and commissioning company, WJ Project Services (WJPS), and Amcomri.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between Mission Data, LLC And Growth Acceleration Partners

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Louisville, Kentucky-based Mission Data, LLC, and Austin, Texas-based Growth Acceleration Partners.

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Benchmark International Facilitated The Transaction Between CFA, Inc. And Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between CFA, Inc. and Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between CivilCorp And ESP Associates

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction between CivilCorp, LLC, a Texas-based AEC firm specializing in transportation and public works infrastructure markets, and ESP Associates, Inc., an ENR Top 500 multi-disciplinary engineering design and consulting firm.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between T&RS Engineering Ltd and Rendel Ltd

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Doncaster-based T&RS Engineering by Rendel, subsidiary of French-owned Ingerop Group.

T&RS Engineering is a rail engineering consultancy, specialising in the maintenance and overhaul of a full range of traction and rolling stock for train operating companies, rolling stock leasing companies, and rail service providers.

Established for over 180 years, Rendel is a multidisciplinary, international engineering design consultancy that provides services to contractors, clients, and on major engineering and construction projects worldwide.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

It has completed more than 6,000 assignments throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia. Recent and ongoing projects include HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct and Chiltern Tunnel Shafts Stages 1 and 2; Suburban Rail Loop, Melbourne, Australia; Hinkley Point C; and Eurotunnel.

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Benchmark International Facilitated The Transaction Between Hole Montes, Inc. And Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Florida-based Hole Montes Inc. (Hole Montes) and Virginia-based Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. (Bowman).

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Benchmark International Facilitated the Transaction of American Engineers, Inc. to STV Group, Inc.

The seller, American Engineers, Inc (AEI), is an engineering firm comprised of several offices. Their focus is primarily on transportation, industrial, utility, and municipality space.

With decades of experience across multiple markets and geographies, they have risen to the top of their respective field. Their motto “Designing Your Future”, paired with investments in innovative technology and the most proficient people, allow them to continually deliver excellence.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Poise Group Limited and BRUSH Group Limited

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of electrical infrastructure specialists, Poise Group, by the BRUSH Group.

Rajic Agrawal, director at Poise Group, said this about working with Benchmark International: “What an amazing and professional group of people Benchmark have. This was my first time selling a company and without Benchmark we couldn't have done what we did. I have no words to describe their excellence in this field. Strongly recommend them to anyone.”

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

Poise Group is a design consultancy specialising in major infrastructure projects across a diverse range of sectors including rail, civil engineering, and electric vehicle charging.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Feritech Global Ltd and Addtech AB

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the transaction between Redruth-based Feritech and Swedish-based Addtech Industrial Solutions, a business area in the Addtech Group.

The agreement is for 90% of the shares outstanding in Feritech.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

Feritech designs, manufactures, and supplies turnkey engineering solutions for the geotechnical and subsea sectors through its extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities. Headquartered in Cornwall, the company has 21 employees and a turnover of approximately GBP 4.5 million.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated a Transaction Between R.J. Rhodes Engineering, Inc. and LJA Engineering

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Sarasota, Florida-based R.J. Rhodes Engineering, Inc. and LJA Engineering, based in Houston, Texas.

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Benchmark International Has Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between Boiler Industrial Plant (Pty) Ltd And Entruevest Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Boiler and Industrial Plant (Pty) Ltd by Entruevest Holdings (Pty) Ltd - A Diversified Investment Holding Company.

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Benchmark International Facilitated The Strategic Growth Partnership Of Invision Architecture Ltd and The HFW Companies

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the successful facilitation of the strategic growth partnership between INVISION Architecture Ltd and The HFW Companies.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between ProMaxx Tool And Milton Industries

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of ProMaxx Tool by Milton Industries.

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Benchmark International Facilitated The Transaction Of Spatial Acuity, LLC And Bowman Consulting Groups Ltd

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction of Spatial Acuity, LLC, to Bowman Consulting Groups LTD, hereinafter referred to as Bowman. Spatial Acuity, LLC is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company provides high-definition scanning, 3D modeling, and reality capture services for owners, developers, and operators of private and public infrastructure. Utilizing advanced geomatics equipment, Spatial Acuity delivers interactive, three-dimensional digital models, thrusting their clients to the forefront of the digital twin revolution.

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­­Benchmark International Is Pleased To Announce The Transaction Of Chustz Surveying, L.L.C. And GIS Engineering

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Chustz Surveying, a Louisiana-Based Surveying Company, and GIS Engineering, a professional service firm across five locations in Louisiana.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated The Transaction Between Arora Engineers And Jacmel Growth Partners

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Pennsylvania-based Arora Engineers and Jacmel Growth Partners, a New York-based private investment firm. Arora is a leading professional services firm that provides infrastructure-focused planning, design, program/construction management, facilities management, asset management and technology services primarily to state, local, and federal government customers.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Doocey North East Limited and Netel Group

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Middlesbrough-based Doocey North East by Swedish group Netel.

Doocey North East is a specialist utility services provider delivering contract services for telecommunications and fibre-optic networks. Works include the installation of ducts, micro-ducts, access chambers, street cabinets, fibre optic cable installation for local authorities and major private clients. Employing 15 people, in 2020/21 the company recorded net sales of approximately £6.5m.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

Founded in 2000, Netel is a leading specialist in critical infrastructures in Northern Europe, carrying out projects as well as services and maintenance for the industry's largest players in power, telecommunications, heating, and water and sewage. The business has a strong local presence via 18 offices and has approximately 660 employees. In 2021, Netel had sales of more than SEK 2.4 billion.

The acquisition marks Netel’s second in the UK within two months as the group rapidly continues its expansion in the growing British fibre market.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Strategic Partnership Between HSQ Group, Inc. and The HFW Companies

The HFW Companies, a leading professional services and growth partner to architecture and engineering firms throughout the country, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with HSQ Group, LLC, one of the most prominent civil engineering companies in South Florida.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between JTAM Engineering and a High-Net-Worth Individual

Posted on March 28, 2022 By in texas + Deal completions + Engineering

Benchmark International's client JTAM Engineering, a Houston-based engineering firm, has successfully sold to a High-Net-Worth Individual.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Ray Engineering, Inc. and Madrid CPWG

Ray Engineering is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm specializing in civil, structural, and forensic engineering services. The company focuses on all facets of construction projects and serves both commercial and residential clients. Ray Engineering is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia. 

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between GMD Eurotool Limited and Leviathan Engineering Limited

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Plymouth-based GMD by Bristol-based Leviathan.

GMD provides precision engineered component and design solutions for projects within the marine, defence, food processing, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. Some of its major clients include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and major defence and engineering group, Babcock.

Based in Bristol, Leviathan is a subcontract engineering group which focuses on high value and growth sectors where various services can be shared to address larger, more technical projects for its premium customers.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

GMD is expected to be the first of several acquisitions for Leviathan as it works to become a wider, integrated engineering group. Leviathan has said its expansion plans will focus on “premium value and growth sectors”. By acquiring a broader array of engineering services, the group can begin to focus on bigger and “more technical” projects.

Post-acquisition, GMD’s founding Samson family, who established the business over 25 years ago, will remain within the firm.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Qoda Holdings Limited and Efficient Building Solutions Limited

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between design engineering consultancy, Qoda, and Efficient Building Solutions (EBS).

Established in 2011, Qoda is a highly experienced engineering consultant that brings a personal approach to the mechanical, electrical and sustainable areas of building design. The company, which has a 60-strong consultancy team and offices in Oxfordshire, London and Bristol, operates nationally across a variety of sectors including education, commercial, leisure and healthcare.

EBS aims to play a leading role in addressing the climate impact of the UK’s buildings and helping reduce fuel poverty by creating healthy energy efficient buildings. The group’s portfolio includes physics consultancy Enhabit, product supplier Green Building Store and an expanding renewable energy installation and service group, including Go Eco Renewables and Bright Green Renewables.

EBS is backed by Ansor, the UK’s leading business focused on establishing, acquiring and growing entrepreneurial SMEs.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

As a result of the acquisition, EBS will benefit from Qoda’s considerable commercial track record and expertise which it will bring to the wider group, meaning that the combined companies can offer increased whole building design capability and capacity for clients.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Aprenda Ltd and BRUSH Group

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Cambridgeshire-based Aprenda and Leicestershire-based BRUSH.

Aprenda is a high voltage electrical apparatus engineer, specialising in the installation and refurbishment of substations for blue-chip clients throughout the UK. Projects include turnkey design & build projects, preventative maintenance, equipment upgrades and new substation installations.

Founded in 1889, BRUSH is the leading independent provider of equipment, services and solutions for electrical power generation and distribution and is the world's largest independent manufacturer of generators above 20MVA. BRUSH's products are used across a wide range of end markets, including utilities, industrial, maritime, rail, data centres and renewable applications.

Do you have an exit or growth strategy in place?

The acquisition of Aprenda will provide BRUSH with a leading design engineering platform focused on UK power distribution network projects.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Vanguardia Limited and Buro Happold Limited

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Vanguardia and its subsidiary, Crowd Dynamic International Limited, by Buro Happold.

Vanguardia is an environmental and technology consultancy, working with architects, developers, stadium and arena operators, promoters, and end-user clients to enhance sound, minimise noise and improve the air quality of industrial and commercial projects and events. The company has undertaken major landmark projects in the sports and entertainment sector, working with major touring artists like The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, leading festivals such as Hyde Park’s Time and Reading & Leeds Festival, and iconic stadium/arena venues such as Wembley Stadium and The O2.

Crowd Dynamic provides modelling solutions and consultancy to support design and operational projects in the built and natural environment.

Buro Happold has been established for over 40 years and is an international consultancy of engineers, consultants and advisers, operating in 26 locations worldwide, with over 70 partners and 1,900 employees.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

Previously, Vanguardia and Buro Happold have worked together on renowned sports and entertainment projects in venues such as Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, O2 Arena, Qatar Education City Stadium, London Stadium and The Fisht Olympic Stadium.

The acquisition will strengthen Buro Happold’s consultancy capabilities, specifically in acoustics and sound engineering, environmental advisory services, plus a broad range of electro-acoustic and technology offers. It also creates a platform for the continued growth of Vanguardia into new sectors and markets.

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Twenty First Century Engineering and J.S. Held

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the transaction between Twenty First Century Engineering (“TFCE”) and J.S. Held LLC.

TFCE, based in Vero Beach, Florida is a renowned full-service professional engineering firm focusing on forensic services. TFCE provides civil, structural, forensic, and design/build services to individuals, corporations, and contractors throughout Florida, the greater Southeast United States, Texas, and the Caribbean. The company holds dual licenses in engineering and general contracting, which enable an expedited, turn-key process for clients.

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm with expertise in construction, environmental health & safety, forensic accounting & economics, water & fire restoration, equipment, and forensic architecture & engineering matters. According to the company’s announcement, “This acquisition further expands our forensic services for complex litigation needs, while also strengthening our geographic resources” (Bill Bracken, PE, J.S. Held Forensic Architecture & Engineering Practice Leader).

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

John Carroll, the founder of TFCE, added in the announcement, “Our clients will have the benefit of a new suite of technical services and the accompanying specialized staff to support their needs on a variety of construction; equipment; environmental, health, and safety; as well as forensic accounting and economic matters.”

Regarding the deal, Senior Transaction Associate Sunny Yang Garten at Benchmark International commented, “It was a pleasure to represent TFCE in this strategic transaction. John and his team were wonderful to work with. They were engaging and always responsive to diligence requests. We’re excited to see that their legacy will be preserved and enhanced through this transaction with JS Held. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies continued success.”

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Benchmark International Successfully Facilitated the Transaction between Dempsey, Dilling & Associates and Thomas & Hutton

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction between Dempsey, Dilling, & Associates to Thomas & Hutton. 

Thomas & Hutton (T&H), a Southeast-based, privately-held, professional consulting and engineering firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Smyrna, Tennessee-based Dempsey, Dilling & Associates (DDA) to the team. With offices in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee, T&H’s addition of DDA will increase its presence throughout middle Tennessee. The combination was effective February 1 and DDA will operate under the Thomas & Hutton brand. Smyrna and Nashville office locations will combine in representing the T&H Nashville region, and will be well positioned to provide more municipal services in Tennessee.

On growing the Nashville region, Regional Director Travis Todd says, “Our team in Nashville has been steadily growing since our opening three years ago. We’ve been fortunate to work on quality projects with top tier clients all over Middle Tennessee. The addition of DDA only serves to make us even stronger in the region with additional resources and expertise to continue serving our clients well.”

Jerome Dempsey, PE, serving in his new role as a T&H Principal with a primary focus on client service in Tennessee, states, “It was evident from the beginning of our discussions that T&H embraced the same philosophy as DDA in providing quality based professional services to clients, while also focusing on the community and personal growth of its employees. Our combined expertise will provide a broader range of professional services to our clients, while maintaining the personal client relationships. We are thrilled to be part of Thomas & Hutton and can’t wait to see what the future holds for our new combined team.”

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

During its 74-year history, Thomas & Hutton has provided water and wastewater services across the southeast. The addition of DDA’s expertise provides the growing company additional skilled workforce and strengthens the services offered by T&H’s Water & Wastewater department, especially in the surface water treatment arena.

Formed in 2004, DDA provides consulting engineering services for municipalities and utility districts throughout Tennessee. These services cover the full spectrum of needs for municipalities, including water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, roadway, recreational facilities, municipal buildings, bridge replacements, GIS/GPS mapping, and environmental related projects.

Brad Dilling, PE, serving as a T&H Principal and Project Manager/Group Leader says, “We are extremely excited about the synergy between our companies, our people, and our cultures. The Nashville area is rapidly growing, and we see this partnership opportunity as one that will help meet and exceed our clients’ needs throughout Middle Tennessee.”

Thomas & Hutton operates in nine regions across four states. An established and well-respected leader in providing professional consulting and comprehensive engineering and related services, Thomas & Hutton looks forward to continuing its legacy of providing engineering and design solutions to a diverse group of public and private clients.

With the addition of the DDA team, Thomas & Hutton CEO Samuel McCachern states, “On behalf of T&H, we are excited about our growing team. Jerome and Brad have a successful practice built on long-term relationships. Together, our combined relationships and expertise will add value and benefit to our clients as we continue to expand service capabilities in markets throughout the southeastern United States.

Tyrus O’Neill, Managing Partner at Benchmark International added, “Everyone here at Benchmark International was very excited to see this deal close. Thomas & Hutton is a great reputable firm which aligns well with Dempsey, Dilling & Associates. Jerome and Brad will be in good hands moving forward, and we wish the best for all parties involved in the deal.”

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Benchmark International has Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Laser Trader Limited and MBA Engineering Systems Limited

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Laser Trader and MBA Engineering.

Do you have an exit or growth strategy in place?

Laser Trader is an importer and distributor of high-tech laser cutting, cladding and welding equipment to UK customers in sectors including aerospace, research and heavy manufacturing. The company is the sole distributor in the UK and ROI for several world leading manufacturers of laser processing and diagnostic equipment in addition to retailing laser optics and a range of consumables and non-genuine parts.

MBA Engineering was founded in 2009 and sells Kimla fibre lasers, second hand Bystronic lasers, spare parts and consumables, as well as offering services such as breakdown assistance, preventative maintenance, customer training, machine moves, and installations.

The deal will allow MBA Engineering to access key distribution agreements with European manufacturers.

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Benchmark International has Advised on the Sale of Manor Renewable Energy to a Consortium of Investors

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Manor Renewable Energy and a consortium of investors led by Moulton Goodies Limited and Castle Mill Equity Partners Limited. The transaction also involved Manor Marine, a wholly owned subsidiary of Manor Renewable Energy.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

Manor Renewable Energy was founded in 2013 and is the leading provider in offshore temporary power and engineering solutions to the wind farm industry. Manor Marine, which began trading in 1991, provides vessel construction and maintenance services.

The deal facilitated the exit of a founder shareholder and provides backing for the team to continue its high-growth plan. Going forward, the investors will support the existing management team with strategic and commercial expertise as the business seeks to broaden its offering by investing in its operations and maintenance division.

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Benchmark International has Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Circum Limited and EA-RS Fire Engineering Limited

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between engineering and construction firms Circum and EA-RS Fire Engineering.

Circum designs, supplies, installs, commissions and maintains active fire protection systems including wet and dry sprinklers, wet and dry risers, hose reels, and gas and mist suppression systems.

EA-RS Fire Engineering provides a turnkey solution for clients’ fire safety and regulatory requirements. It is one of only five UK fire systems providers with the various accreditations to supply mechanical and electrical packages in one single client order.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

This transaction is of a strategic nature, allowing EA-RS Fire Engineering to expand its current service offering and grow inorganically.

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Benchmark International has Successfully Facilitated the Transaction Between Elastomer Engineering Limited and Dexine Leyland Rubber Technology Limited

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between bespoke rubber products engineer, Elastomer Engineering, and Lancashire-based manufacturer of niche rubber products for engineering and industrial applications, Dexine Leyland Rubber Technology (DLRT).

Family-owned business Elastomer Engineering has extensive expertise in polymer science and manufacturing technology, including a range of proprietary products sold into the oil & gas and defence sectors.

DLRT is a leading manufacturer of elastomeric products and components for industrial and engineering uses. The company specialises in the design and manufacture of complex products and offers a range of rubber compounds with properties such as oil and fire resistance and vibration damping.

Working in the same sectors as Elastomer Engineering, the acquisition allows for the two companies to sell an extensive product range into these sectors.

Do you have an exit or growth strategy in place?

The acquisition also provides DLRT the opportunity to acquire a portfolio of significant intellectual property, along with a wide range of specialist equipment designed for high value precision moulding. With DLRT’s assets, this constitutes greatly enhanced product development and manufacturing capabilities for both businesses.

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Benchmark International Facilitated The Transaction Of Am Engineering, Inc. To Fremont-Wright, LLC

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the acquisition of AM Engineering, Inc. (“AME”) by Fremont-Wright, LLC (“Fremont-Wright”).

AME is a Florida-based business headquartered in Sarasota. AME specializes in civil engineering and land surveying projects for large and small-scale land development, water distribution systems, wastewater collection facilities, roadways, parking facilities, and site grading. AME offers both engineering and surveying services for residential and commercial clients. The sale to Fremont-Wright creates new growth opportunities for the business.

Fremont-Wright is a holding company based in Memphis, TN, and specializes in aerial and land survey, as well as civil and structural engineering. Its companies – Triton Engineering, I.F. Rooks, Colbert Matz Rosenfelt, and Harmsen – also offer services such as photogrammetry, environment management, volumetric services and utility design. Fremont-Wright serves the institutional, mixed use, commercial and residential industries. This acquisition fits well with Fremont-Wright’s continued nationwide growth strategy.

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

Shawn Leins, president and one of the owners of AME stated, “We are excited to join the Fremont- Wright team and look forward to continued growth and success.”

Regarding the deal, Transaction Director Leo VanderSchuur at Benchmark International stated, “It was a pleasure to represent AME in this strategic transaction. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies continued success.”

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Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the acquisition of Texas Engineering Solutions, LLC to Atwell, LLC.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the acquisition of Texas Engineering Solutions, LLC to Atwell, LLC.  Benchmark International worked diligently to find a Buyer that was an ideal candidate to ensure the goals of the sellers from a financials and corporate fit perspective.

Texas Engineering Solutions, LLC is a land development consulting firm providing a range of civil engineering, utility and infrastructure design, as well as planning and land development services in Central Texas.

Atwell, LLC is a consulting, engineering and construction services firm that delivers a broad range of technical solutions to clients in the real estate and land development, power and energy, and oil and gas markets.  They provide comprehensive professional services including engineering, planning, surveying, landscape architecture, environmental consulting, program management and construction services to a diverse blend of clients

 

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

 

Benchmark International was able to procure for Texas Engineering Solutions, LLC a buyer that met their financial goals while also being an ideal cultural fit and providing the additional resources that the buyer was searching for.  Benchmark International corresponded with numerous potential investors and the Owners of Texas Engineering Solutions had several in-person meetings until they met with the representatives from Atwell, LLC.  

Per Brian Wenzel, CEO of Atwell, LLC “We believe identifying the right opportunity with the right fit is critical for success in the M&A space.  In working with Benchmark International on our most recent acquisition, we realized they share that same vision.  Not only was the [Benchmark International] team helpful throughout the process, but their approach to this engagement was comprehensive, thoughtful and focuses while placing significant emphasis on the success of the combined firms.  We look forward to working with them on future opportunities.”

Benchmark International’s Senior Associate, J.P. Santos, commented “The Benchmark International team is excited for Texas Engineering Solutions as they join a firm in Atwell, LLC that aligns with their corporate goals.  As Texas Engineering Solutions enters this next chapter, the mutual respect and admiration amongst the two firms leaves little doubt that the combined entities will continue to thrive and grow as a business.”

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Benchmark International successfully facilitated the acquisition of Bean, Whitaker, Lutz & Kareh, Inc. to CES inc.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the acquisition of Bean, Whitaker, Lutz & Kareh, Inc.Bean, Whitaker, Lutz & Kareh, Inc. (BWLK) by CES, Inc. BWLK provides land surveying, mapping, civil engineering, and land planning services in Florida.

BWLK has been in the land surveying, planning, and engineering services business since 1987. The company’s proven track record, commitment to high-quality, professional work, combined with its advanced engineering and surveying technology has enabled BWLK to establish a solid reputation and build long-lasting client relationships.

CES, Inc., a Maine-based firm of engineers, environmental scientists, and land surveyors is expanding its footprint to the Southeast. Denis St. Peter, President and CEO of CES, commented, “CES, Inc. has been utilizing M&A as one of our strategies to help achieve our growth goals over the past several years. By working with Sunny Garten, Leo Vanderschuur, and their team at Benchmark International to acquire Bean, Whitaker, Lutz & Kareh, Inc., we were able to identify and perform preliminary evaluations of several companies quickly and accurately within our targeted geographic area. Benchmark represented several prospective sellers that fit our criteria, and the responsiveness and quality of their initial teaser summaries and more detailed confidential information memorandums allowed us to optimize our search efforts to end up with the best company for CES, Inc. Their significant knowledge of the acquisition process, the sophistication of their systems (e.g., online data exchange), and their willingness to communicate deal structures based on their past experiences were all valuable to the success of our acquisition.”  

 

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

 

Scott Whitaker, president and one of BWLK’s owners stated, “On behalf of everyone at BWLK, we are delighted to join the CES team. The more we learned about CES’ approach to its employees and clients, including its Best Places to Work recognition and past project awards, the more we grew excited about our partnership. By joining our professionals with theirs, we will offer new opportunities to our employees and continue our dedication to our clients and provide them the same high-quality services they enjoy.”

“I am honored to join CES as a Shareholder and to help be the link between Maine and Florida,” said Ahmad Kareh, also an owner of BWLK. “CES’ depth of engineering and environmental experts means that we will be able to collaborate with shared expertise to provide our clients with additional capabilities to reach their project’s goals.”

Regarding the deal, Transaction Director Leo VanderSchuur at Benchmark International stated, “It was a pleasure to represent BWLK in this strategic transaction. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies continued success.” Senior Associate, Sunny Garten, added, “Scott, Ahmad and their team were wonderful to work with. They were engaging and always responsive to diligence requests. We’re excited to see that their legacy will be preserved and enhanced through this transaction with CES.”

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Top 10 Industries for Private Equity Investment Revealed

A study by Private Equity Info has identified the top 10 industries that private equity firms have been acquiring during 2018. Below is a breakdown of the industries along with why they have been so popular with private equity firms.

1. Manufacturing

Manufacturing features on the list, in part, as a result of advancements in manufacturing. With automation, processes are made more efficient in many different sectors such as technology, aerospace, automobile and medical devices, making manufacturing companies an attractive prospect for private equity firms as they can utilise the technology in their portfolio companies and it is a good investment.

Watermill Group is a prime example of a private equity firm acquiring manufacturing companies. It currently has three manufacturing companies in its portfolio and within the past year acquired Andaray (Holdings) Limited and its subsidiary Cooper & Turner.

Commenting on this, Steve Karol, Managing Partner at Watermill Group said, “We are bullish on manufacturing in North America. Advanced manufacturing is creating a lot of new opportunities in many different sectors for many different companies.”

 2. Software

Similar to manufacturing, the software industry is popular with private equity firms as it can be utilised within other sectors for their advancement.

Software can be utilised in all manner of sectors and is proving particularly popular in retail as it can detect changes in customer attitude. While a valuable asset to have, it is incredibly difficult for other sectors to replicate what the software can do, therefore lends itself as an add-on to other companies.

Proof of this is within European M&A. Within the last year, software M&A activity set a new record for the number of transactions conducted and one of the main drivers for this growth was private equity, with statistics from Mergermarket showing that there were $11.2 billion of private equity deals conducted out of the $24.7 billion overall total for 2017.

Interested in private equity investment?

 3. Technology

Once again, private equity is investing as technology is a useful asset to be used to improve portfolio companies.

What has been interesting over the past year is how private equity firms, themselves, have started to utilise technology for their own benefit, not just for the benefit of portfolio companies. For example, artificial intelligence systems are now being used to screen investment opportunities. This phenomenon is not expected to slow down either, as a survey by Coller Capital shows three quarters of investors believe their private equity programmes could be improved by the use of external data sources such as third party software and cloud applications to the digital marketplace.

 

 4. Healthcare

There is an interest in healthcare from private equity given the fact that this is a growth sector because of the ageing population and the fact that the system is fragmented and needs to be consolidated. Recent acquisitions in this industry include that of Envision Healthcare by KKR in June 2018.

It’s particularly good news for healthcare companies in the UK, as private equity firms have been increasingly active in this market, believing the sector will fare well throughout Brexit.

 

5. Data

Data, in a similar way to technology, has been popular with private equity firms because of both acquiring the assets for their portfolio companies and because data can be used within the transactions themselves.

The use of data and analytics in private equity is gaining momentum as it can be used to identify issues at a quicker rate and focus the due diligence process, enabling both the buyer and seller to close a deal faster. It is important that a deal can be closed quickly for private equity firms, as record amount of dry powder available means that there is a lot more competition in the market.

 

 6. Oil & Gas

As the oil & gas industry has strengthened in 2018 with a rise in commodity prices, costs and emerging technology the market is forecast to accelerate, with an expected global value of $2,627.4bn by the end of 2022, compared to $1,977.3bn in 2017.

This could make the industry an attractive prospect to private equity buyers although, that being said, oil & gas has always been a popular industry for private equity investment as it is a commodity that is always in demand, it produces a steady cash flow, there are high barriers to entry into the market, and it attracts strong profits.

 

7. Medical

While the medical industry has some crossover with healthcare, there is more of a focus on the area of medical devices, particularly within manufacturing and research. As innovative new drugs and devices are continually coming to market this is attractive for private equity. A recent acquisition in this sphere includes Mérieux Développement and Gimv’s acquisition of Stiplastics Healthcaring.

Feel like it's a good time to sell?

8. Construction/10. Engineering

While construction and engineering appeared in eighth and tenth places respectively, there has been an increased presence of private equity firms in the combined engineering and construction industry. While last year saw an increase in private equity exits, there was also an increase in acquisition activity.

One notable transaction in 2017 was that of Warburg Pincus’ acquisition of Service Logic. This acquisition is a key example of why private equity interest has increased as Service Logic is a HVAC and mechanical services provider, an area which private equity firms are eager to enter because of the recurring revenues available. There has been even more interest in recent years as the aftermarket is growing as a result of a need for it within the construction industry.

 

 9. Transportation & Logistics

Private equity in the transportation & logistics industry has emerged as a large player since the 2008 financial crisis as it worked at consolidating a fragmented market and financing expansion. In 2014, there was a shift to publicly trading companies acquiring transportation & logistics companies, and private equity took advantage of a buyers’ market and sold. By 2015, however, private equity was back to being the main contender as spending slowed down from publicly traded companies due to their stock prices falling, whereas private equity had the necessary resources.

One such company that specialises in transportation & logistics acquisitions is Greenbriar Equity Group, with the majority of its current portfolio dating back to 2015. Some of its recent acquisitions include The Whitcraft Group (April 2017) and LaserShip (March 2018).

 

WE ARE READY WHEN YOU ARE

Call Benchmark International today if you are interested in an exit or growth strategy or if you are interested in acquiring.

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Benchmark international Facilitates the Acquisition of Urban Design Group PC to Dunaway Associates LP

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the acquisition of Urban Design Group PC to Dunaway Associates LP. Benchmark International worked hard to find a buyer that was a good cultural fit for the business and would allow each of the three principals achieve their personal goals.

Urban Design Group PC is a Texas-based professional firm that provides a full range of civil engineering, urban design, and surveying services to a diverse group of clientele in the Austin market. UDG has been "shaping the urban environment" since 1981. UDG brings 37 years of engineering experience to the Austin, Texas area, and this experience will be beneficial in the years to come through their new partnership.

 

Ready to explore your exit and growth options?

 

A professional services company with over 60 years of delivering results and an expansive footprint in the state of Texas, Dunaway was an obvious choice for a buyer. Dunaway provides services including civil engineering, structural engineering, planning and landscape architecture, environmental and surveying. The acquisition of UDG will provide Dunaway with surveying and planning operations , two services the firm offered in its other offices but were missing in Austin.

Laura Toups of Urban Design Group stated “The Benchmark International Austin team brought invaluable results to this transaction for us. They put our personal and professional objectives at the front of their objectives in driving this deal through to the end. They presented us with a variety of potential buyers to fit our needs. In the end, they were able to provide a buyer that would culturally align with our vision. We would highly recommend the Benchmark International team of experts to anyone planning to successfully exit their business.”

Benchmark International’s Transaction Director, Luis Vinals, commented “Clients like John, June, and Laura, are a true pleasure to work with. Throughout the engagement, they were communicative, responsive, and most importantly, straight forward with their objectives. This allowed the team to have a clear mission and effectively execute a plan to bring a successful result. Having a client that is open to collaborating with our process is crucial to achieving success in the open market and our clients were very cooperative. Ultimately, the deal allowed each individual owner to meet their goals. This was a great result all around!”

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Mergers and Acquisitions in the Architecture and Engineering Industry

Over the last few years the architecture and engineering industry has seen a marked increase in mergers and acquisitions activity. Since reemerging from the depths of the recession, the industry has been ripe with activity; with everything from the expansion of the ever growing reach of firms like DLR, Perkins & Will, and HOK, to the merging of small businesses to facilitate the retirement goals of local industry experts. Considering there is typically a few year lag between economic fluctuations and corresponding changes in M&A activity, as the bull market run is approaching nine years, this type of inorganic growth activity shows no signs of slowing down.

As an industry agnostic mergers and acquisition leader, Benchmark International is in touch with leaders from a variety of industries on a daily basis. We’ve seen significant movement from corporate development teams in a number of industries which are beginning to expand their services to grow not only their customer base, but also to gain additional wallet share of their existing clients. This type of cross pollination has occurred in interior design, surveying, construction, architecture, engineering, and technology. We currently are in the midst of closing a transaction which would allow a specialized electrical engineer which focuses on the commercial and healthcare markets to broaden their end market to include the hospitality sector, and their service offerings to include the upstream design, planning, and engineering components of a building’s IT infrastructure needs.

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Austin, Texas Proves to be an Engineering Hotspot

We’ve all heard it, the best measurement of a city’s growth is the number of cranes and projects going up. We’ve all heard buzzwords about Austin, TX being an “IT” city, but it’s not just Austin that is sprawling with new developments and high-rises. Stop and think about this type of buzzing activity throughout a 70 mile stretch from San Antonio, the home of the Alamo, to Austin-Roundrock. This, my friends, is the I-35 corridor, a stretch of interstate highway that connects San Antonio, San Marcos, Austin and Dallas. Almost everyone has benefited one way or another from the massive growth happening in the region. Better jobs, more activities for the young professionals, and an overall increased quality of life. The growth in the region has, of course, brought upon Central Texas its unique set of challenges that one does not think of
right away.

No, it is not practically unaffordable real estate and rent. The biggest challenge lies in making these interconnected cities feel like home 24/7. Going home sure in the knowledge that the roads will be safe, our lights will turn on, and that water will flow when we take a shower after a long jog in Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake for you non-Austinites).


With the increased growth in population over last decade, the Central Texas region, that is known as the i-35 Corridor, has experienced its unique set of challenges. While home builders and apartment complexes make fortunes from overpriced property values, there is an unsung hero behind the scenes: the engineers who make all this growth possible. As mentioned previously, everyone expects their roads to be safe, their lights to turn on, and their water to run. In Texas, these are all major engineering feats. No, we’re not just flatland sitting on enormous oil and gas reserves. Central Texas is home to the Hill Country, one of nature’s gifts to the world; and as its name implies, it has plenty of hills.

So, how does one exactly get water to flow up the hill? Well, we didn’t know the answer either, and quite frankly, we still don’t, but some of the Benchmark International teammates live on top of hills. So, not having water up there would be a problem. Engineering firms in Texas have long solved problems before the growth spurt in Central Texas. The Colorado River dam for example, or the Houston Port.

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Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the sale of Malone Finkle Eckhardt & Collins to RTM Engineering Consultants

Malone Finkle Eckhardt & Collins, Inc. is a leading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm specializing in commercial construction. The company has extensive experience in several different industries and has completed numerous projects for national retailers and hospitality companies throughout the US. Located in Springfield, MO, and Overland Park, KS, the company is licensed to perform work in all forty-eight contiguous states. Over its thirty-five years in operation, Malone Finkle Eckhardt & Collins, Inc. has successfully completed hundreds of large-scale retail and hospitality projects.

Rod Finkle, President of Malone Finkle Eckhardt & Collins, Inc. commented, “We are excited about the acquisition and RTM’s future capabilities with the firm. Benchmark International’s transaction team provided a great buyer that fits perfectly with the culture of our company. Tyrus, and the team quickly sourced a motivated buyer which eventually turned into our exit strategy. We would like to extend a special thanks to the team that quickly brought us results in finding the right buyer.”

Tyrus O’Neill, Managing Director at Benchmark International, stated, “It was a pleasure to represent Rod and the firm in this transaction, and on behalf of Benchmark International, we are extremely pleased with the outcome. The acquirer and seller have numerous strategic synergies which has led to a great process and result. Overall, this has been a thoroughly satisfying experience and we wish both parties the best of luck moving forward.”

Established in 1981 and headquartered outside Chicago, RTM Engineering Consultants integrates MEP/FP and civil engineering services with sustainable design as a given. The firm goes beyond a typical consulting role and becomes a partner to clients by aligning with the goals, processes, and people at each organization. Licensed in all 50 states, its portfolio spans major market sectors nationwide. For more information,
visit www.rtmassociates.com.

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