AEC Mergers & Acquisitions: What's Happening Now?

M&A and industry consolidation activity for architecture, engineering and environmental consulting firms has been continuing in 2009 despite global recession and an uneven design climate. In ZweigWhite's 2009 Merger & Acquisition Survey of A/E/P and Environmental Firms, 43% of respondents indicated they were considering a firm sale, an all-time high.

The previous "Seller's Market" of higher valuations has been shifting to a "Buyer's Market"— and buyers are being choosier in terms of criteria, valuations, and strategic intent. While there have been a few sizable deals that are changing the competitive landscape, current conditions are giving rise to more "niche" tuck-in deals.

Although some aspects of the deals are changing, the rationale remains the same. Whether to facilitate ownership transition, maximize shareholder return, expand resources (managerial, marketing, financial, personnel), or provide impetus for growth, a merger or acquisition continues to be an effective tool to accomplish a range of strategic goals.

Even if you aren't currently considering a sale or acquisition, there's a good chance you will be facing a transaction at some point in the future. This summit is your chance to network with potential buyers and sellers while gaining the knowledge you will need to ensure a favorable deal and a successful firm integration that will benefit the buyer, seller, employees, clients and shareholders.

This two-day event features top design and environmental industry executives and entrepreneurs who gather to network and share their own transaction and integration experiences—as buyers and/or sellers. The agenda is focused on the tactical logistics and management strategies necessary to make deals that work. No matter what stage you are at in the transaction—interested in preliminary information, currently exploring options and opportunities, or trying to effectively manage integration—attending the  AEC Mergers & Acquisitions Summit will help you avoid common pitfalls and prepare you for a successful outcome.

Who Will Be There:
This conference program has been designed expressly for:
• AEC Presidents, CEOs, CFOs, and COOs
• AEC firm owners considering an acquisition or a sale
• Interested managers of AEC firms who have completed mergers
  and want to ensure their efforts are a success post-transaction

Attendee registration is limited to these business leaders and/or by invitation. Legal, accounting, insurance, consulting and other transaction advisors specialized in the AEC industry, as well as investors and analysts with an interest in the AEC business may participate only as exhibitors or sponsors.
 

Information about the 2010 program will be posted soon.