2025 AEC M&A Outlook Report
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DISTRIBUTION OF FIRM AGES The AEC industry’s M&A landscape continues to reflect something of a middle-aged market. Most active participants are firms founded 25- 50 years ago, which means they’re established enough to have strong client bases and leadership depth yet young enough to pursue growth through acquisition. These firms represent the core of today’s strategic deal activity. Many have completed internal transitions and are now seeking to realize or reinvest the value they’ve built. Younger firms tend to prioritize organic growth and specialization, while the oldest firms tend to focus on succession and ownership continuity through sale or ESOP conversion. Overall, M&A participation remains strongest among firms mature enough to scale but still driven by leaders eager to capture return and reduce transition risk.
Firm Age Distribution
Source: 2025 AEC M&A Outlook Survey, Zweig Group and Stambaugh Ness
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