February 20, 2024
AE’S strong footprint solidifies WSB’s presence in the Southeast U.S.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. — WSB LLC (“WSB”), one of the nation’s fastest growing infrastructure engineering and consulting firms, today announced the acquisition of AE Engineering, Inc. (“AE”), a high-growth transportation infrastructure engineering firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. The strategic addition of AE will solidify WSB’s presence and service offerings in the southeastern United States. WSB is a portfolio company of GHK Capital Partners LP (“GHK”), a leading middle-market private equity firm based in Greenwich, CT.
“WSB is moving forward in building a national brand,” said Bret Weiss, WSB’s president and chief executive officer. “The Southeast is an important market for transportation infrastructure engineering given the significant population growth and infrastructure investment present in the region. AE has an outstanding reputation, and their leaders match our culture with their approach and entrepreneurial spirit. We are eager to build on the success of AE by introducing expanded services to complement their already successful program.”
The acquisition of AE brings 13 offices and more than 170 employees into WSB across the Southeast. Combined, WSB now operates 49 offices with more than 1,250 employees nationwide to serve its clients across the government, commercial and energy markets.
“WSB is a strong and growing firm that is an excellent match for AE and our clients,” said Rod Myrick, AE’s president. “We’ve always tried to represent the best in the industry and to be a trusted asset to our clients and partners. AE is joining a firm with that same commitment. We are eager to build on the strengths and success of WSB by introducing expanded services to complement our existing operation in Florida and throughout the Southeast.”
WSB and AE will work together to develop a single go-to market approach as WSB in the coming months. This represents WSB’s second acquisition in the last twelve months. In September 2023, the firm acquired Oklahoma-based EST, a 350-person transportation infrastructure engineering firm.
About WSB
WSB, a design and consulting firm providing engineering, planning, environmental and construction services. Its staff improves the way people engage with communities, transportation, infrastructure, energy and our environment. WSB offers services in more than 50 complementary areas to seamlessly integrate planning, design and implementation. Its coast-to-coast client base is served from 49 offices in 9 states. WSB’s staff is inspired to look beyond today and capitalize on the opportunities of tomorrow. Guided by a strong vision and an authentic passion, WSB is a company that strives to forge ahead. To learn more, visit wsbeng.com.
About AE
AE Engineering, Inc. (AE) is a client-focused transportation infrastructure engineering firm founded in 2006, and provides professional services to governmental agencies including State, County and City, as well as private sector clients. Headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, AE’s core capabilities include Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI), Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Laboratory & Materials Testing, Contractor Quality Control (CQC), Asset & Infrastructure Maintenance, Building Inspection and Planning services.
About GHK Capital Partners LP
GHK is a leading middle-market private equity firm focused on making control investments in industrial companies across North America. More information about GHK and our team is available on our website www.ghk.com.
