Design Firm CPL Acquires Illinois-Based Bailey Edward

The merger expands the national reach of CPL into the Midwest through the addition of an established architecture firm.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Design Firm CPL Acquires Illinois-Based Bailey Edward

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Design firm CPL has announced the acquisition of Bailey Edward, a firm headquartered in Chicago with a history dating back to 1991. This move marks a strategic expansion for CPL into Illinois, increasing its footprint across the region.

Why it matters

The acquisition is a key component of a long-term growth strategy for CPL, which aims to leverage the local expertise and established presence of the Chicago-based firm. By joining forces, both organizations seek to strengthen their competitive positioning in the professional design services market.

Founded in 1991, Bailey Edward adds 50 professionals to the CPL workforce, which now spans 25 offices across nine states. CPL currently employs over 500 people globally.

The players

CPL

A design firm based in Perinton that operates 25 offices across nine states.

Bailey Edward

An architecture and design firm headquartered in Chicago with offices in Champaign and Fox River Grove.

GHK Capital Partners LP

A private equity firm that partners with CPL to support its long-term growth and business strategy.

The details

Clients of both CPL and Bailey Edward will continue working with their existing project teams and points of contact following the transition. The deal integrates Bailey Edward's locations in Chicago, Champaign, and Fox River Grove into the broader operations of the Perinton-based firm.

1991: Bailey Edward was founded.
February 2026: CPL joined forces with GHK Capital Partners LP.
October 21, 2026: CPL announced the acquisition of Bailey Edward.

Market Landscape

This acquisition aligns with the broader consolidation trend in the architecture and design sector as larger national firms pursue regional scale. By absorbing Bailey Edward, CPL significantly bolsters its competitive standing against other design firms vying for Midwestern infrastructure projects.

Clients currently working with Bailey Edward can expect to maintain their existing service teams and points of contact throughout the transition. This continuity ensures that ongoing projects in Chicago, Champaign, and Fox River Grove remain unaffected by the change in ownership.

The takeaway

Strategic acquisitions often allow firms to enter new regional markets while maintaining the specialized knowledge of local teams. Readers looking to navigate industry shifts should prioritize checking if their current service providers maintain original project leadership during corporate transitions.