Dive Brief:
- Acciona, a Madrid-based contractor that specializes in sustainable infrastructure, has reached an agreement to acquire 80% of Vertical Earth, an infrastructure builder based in Cumming, Georgia, according to a Wednesday announcement from Acciona. The dollar value of the deal was not disclosed.
- The deal, which is expected to close near the end of the year, will help Acciona plant its flag in Atlanta as the strategic hub for the growth of its infrastructure division, according to the announcement.
- Acciona projects that the addition of Vertical Earth will give it a boost to its self-perform capabilities while also giving the firm access to local talent and suppliers, per the firm.
Dive Insight:
Vertical Earth, which was founded in 1997, generated $217 million in revenue in 2025, per Acciona, and employs more than 600 professionals across Georgia and Florida. As part of the deal, Brett Johnson, Vertical Earth’s founder and CEO, will retain his chief executive role and a 20% stake in the company.
The move represents another step in the active M&A cycle for contractors across the U.S. as sectors such as water, interiors and infrastructure take off. It also comes amid an attractive environment for foreign investment as international firms seek to nudge their way into the building market.
Indeed, Acciona cited the strength of the U.S. infrastructure market as a key factor in the decision. The country accounts for 20% of the global infrastructure industry, per the firm, and represents a contracting potential of $303 billion this year. Acciona also aims to capitalize on Department of Transportation plans to invest in the Southeast.
“Vertical Earth brings deep local knowledge, proven project experience, and strong technical capabilities that complement ACCIONA’s global infrastructure expertise,” said Carlos Planelles, managing director of Acciona’s Infrastructure Unit in North America, in the news release. “The deal reflects our confidence in the U.S. market and strengthens our ability to deliver complex, high-profile projects.”
Currently, Acciona is involved in the $4.6 billion SR 400 Express Lanes project in Georgia as part of a JV with ACS Infra and asset manager Meridiam.
