Kleinfelder Acquires Garcia and Associates
Acquisition bolsters Kleinfelder’s environmental practice in the Western U.S.
Chicago, IL, August 25, 2020 – Wind Point Partners (“Wind Point”) and portfolio company The Kleinfelder Group, Inc. (“Kleinfelder”), a leading engineering, construction management, design, and environmental professional services firm, are pleased to announce that Kleinfelder has acquired the assets of Garcia and Associates (“GANDA” or “the Company”). The acquisition adds integral environmental planning and permitting services to Kleinfelder’s West Division.
Founded in 1994, GANDA provides its clients with environmental planning and permitting services related to the operation and maintenance of critical infrastructure throughout the Western United States. GANDA’s scientists and technical experts also engage in meaningful efforts to protect and enhance biological and cultural resources for their clients’ communities. The Company has a strong position in federal, state, and private infrastructure markets attributed to its strong client support, exceptional project delivery, and leading team of technical experts. With the transaction, Kleinfelder is adding new office locations and bolstering existing locations in California, Hawaii, and Guam.
Louis Armstrong, President and CEO of Kleinfelder, noted, “The GANDA transaction brings key environmental capabilities to our business in the Western United States. The Company’s strong and established reputation will align perfectly with our growing and diverse client portfolio. Furthermore, GANDA’s expertise can be leveraged to deliver additional value to existing clients as well as create opportunities with new clients that will fuel growth.”
Nathan Brown, Managing Director at Wind Point Partners, commented, “Executing strategic acquisitions is a key facet of Kleinfelder’s value creation plan, and businesses like GANDA fit perfectly within this blueprint. Our team identified GANDA as an excellent local firm, and we were able to work directly with the owners and management team to reach an agreement that benefited all parties. We are thrilled to be partnering with the very talented and impressive team at GANDA.”
Following the transaction, the Company’s employees will join the Kleinfelder organization and integrate into the West Division led by Victor Auvinen, West Division Director of Kleinfelder. “GANDA has a terrific reputation in the marketplace for delivering excellent service to their clients, which includes deep technical knowledge in biological and cultural resources,” said Mr. Auvinen. “I’m eager to partner with GANDA’s leadership, including Dave Kelly, John McCarthy, and Joe Drennan. GANDA and Kleinfelder share similar values and cultures which will facilitate great camaraderie and high-value services for our clients.”
GANDA represents the second acquisition for Kleinfelder since partnering with Wind Point in November 2018. Kleinfelder’s acquisition strategy will continue to focus on acquiring leading engineering, environmental and professional services firms with complementary employee-focused cultures and a trusted commitment to clients.
Winston & Strawn LLP served as legal counsel and KPMG provided transaction advisory and tax services to Kleinfelder. Fox Rothschild LLP served as legal counsel to GANDA.