Private Equity Firms Increased Construction Acquisitions

Investors are targeting construction firms as owners look toward retirement and succession planning.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a steel beam resting on a stone base, representing industrial investment. — Private equity firms are accelerating construction company acquisitions as family-owned business owners seek professional capital exit strategies and formal succession planning. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Private equity firms have ramped up acquisitions of construction companies, driven by interest in utility services and infrastructure. Many family-owned firms are turning to these deals due to a lack of formal succession planning for the next generation.

Why it matters

Private equity interest provides a new capital exit strategy for aging business owners in the construction sector. These investments often aim to professionalize back-office operations and consolidate specialty contracting services.

Construction and engineering private equity deal activity reached record highs in 2026, with electrical contracting recording record deal value. These figures reflect a broader surge in investment activity focused on power and grid infrastructure.

The players

Bennett Thrasher

This Atlanta-based firm is an independent accounting organization currently ranked 75th among accounting firms.

The details

Accounting firms like the Atlanta-based Bennett Thrasher are increasingly advising owners on how to improve financial health and institutionalize back-office controls ahead of potential buyouts. This advisory work helps prepare multi-generational businesses for transition by addressing the lack of clear succession paths.

Construction and engineering private equity deal activity hit record highs in 2026.
Construction M&A activity is expected to remain strong throughout 2027.

Market Landscape

The push toward consolidation in specialty contracting mirrors the rapid rise in utility-focused investment. This trend positions private equity as a dominant force in shaping the future efficiency and scale of the national construction sector.

Business owners may find increased opportunities to sell their firms as investors seek to consolidate the industry. For customers, these changes may lead to shifts in service availability or the professionalization of business operations within local contracting firms.

The takeaway

Owners of multi-generational construction businesses should prioritize formalizing back-office controls to maximize valuation ahead of potential exit events. Institutionalizing operations early can ensure firms remain attractive to investors even as ownership transitions occur.