Industry Focus

Engineering

Expert M&A advisory for engineering firms. Design, consulting, and technical engineering services.

Engineering sector expertise

focus

  • Civil and structural engineering
  • Mechanical and electrical design
  • Process engineering consulting
  • Technical planning services
  • Project management and supervision
  • Specialized engineering solutions

What buyers value

  • Technical expertise and certifications
  • Long-term client relationships
  • Project portfolio and track record
  • Qualified engineering staff
  • Proprietary methodologies
  • Geographic presence and reputation

Typical buyer profiles

Larger engineering groups

National or international firms seeking regional expansion or technical capabilities

Infrastructure-focused PE

Private equity funds building engineering service platforms

International consultancies

Global engineering firms entering German market or expanding service offerings

Valuation drivers

EBITDA multiples

5-9x

Range for established engineering consultancies with recurring revenues

Revenue mix

Premium 15-25%

Framework contracts and public sector work command premiums

Client relationships

Premium 20-30%

Long-standing public sector and corporate clients add significant value

Talent base

Premium 15-25%

Senior engineers and specialized certifications command premiums

Scalability

Premium 15-25%

Strong pipeline and growth potential enhance valuations

Project backlog

Premium 10-15%

Secured projects and pipeline provide revenue visibility

Common challenges we solve

Key talent dependency

Engineering firms rely on senior engineers. We structure deals to retain key talent through earnout and equity incentives.

Project revenue recognition

Long-term projects create accounting complexity. We prepare clear documentation showing project completion and earnings quality.

Professional liability risks

Engineering projects carry risks. We help buyers understand claims history, insurance coverage, and risk management.

Market fragmentation

The engineering market is highly fragmented. We position for buyers seeking consolidation platforms or tuck-in acquisitions.

Recent transaction

Structural Engineering Consultancy

North Rhine-Westphalia · €8m revenue · 45 engineers
Closed 2024
Challenge

Founding partners retiring, need to preserve client relationships and retain junior partners

Solution

Identified buyer with compatible culture, structured equity rollover for junior partners

Outcome

Sold at 7.5x EBITDA with all key staff retained, founders transitioning over 18 months

Ready to discuss selling your engineering?

Let's explore how we can help you achieve the best outcome