2025 AEC M&A Outlook Report
25
Another 34% of sellers highlighted employee opportunity and career development, reinforcing that M&A is often viewed as a pathway for staff advancement, not just a financial exit. Fewer than 8% reported financial distress as a motivating factor, underscoring that most sell- side activity is proactive rather than reactive. Ownership demographics support this pattern. Firms 26-50 years old were the most active sellers, and environmental and planning firms were twice as likely as architectural practices to cite leadership transition as a key motivator, reflecting smaller ownership benches and greater succession challenges within these disciplines. THE BUY-SIDE Buyers are entering the market with equally strategic intentions. The 2025 AEC M&A Outlook Survey showed that 62% of acquirers aim to expand geographic reach or service offerings, while 49% are motivated by long-term value creation and diversification.
Rated Goals/Objectives for Acquisition
Source: 2025 AEC M&A Outlook Survey, Zweig Group and Stambaugh Ness
Made with FlippingBook Annual report