Weekly Briefing: September 19, 2025
- fmoumen
- Sep 19
- 4 min read
Week of September 15, 2025
Decrease in Contractor Backlog for August
Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) Construction Backlog Indicator dropped from 8.8 to 8.5 months in August, driven largely by contractors with less than $30 million in annual revenue.
For the largest contractors, backlog grew for the third consecutive month, reaching the highest level in the past two years.
ABC’s Construction Confidence Index showed stable sales expectations, a decline in staffing confidence, and an increase in profit margin expectations—all still above 50, indicating anticipated growth.
Commercial and institutional construction backlog is weakening due to rising material costs, policy uncertainty, and labor shortages, while heavy industry and infrastructure remain stable.
AEC Industry Expands Mental Health Initiatives During Suicide Prevention Week
Over 400,000 individuals from more than 650 AEC firms joined in a moment of silence on Sept. 8 to mark the start of Construction Suicide Prevention Week.
Firms can continue registering through the end of September, with final participation data to be released next month.
Since its launch in 2019, the initiative has evolved into a sustained industry-wide conversation about mental health in construction, with some firms pledging millions of dollars toward initiatives.
Industry leaders are using the event to support recruitment, retention, and the overall wellbeing of the next generation of construction workers.
September 15, 2025
Pape-Dawson Engineers (Pape-Dawson), a Texas-based civil engineering and professional services firm, backed by Palm Beach Capital, has acquired Gaskins + LeCraw, a Georgia-based civil engineering and surveying firm. The acquisition expands Pape-Dawson’s geographic presence in Georgia and Alabama and brings local expertise in both states. “This acquisition represents another exciting step in our commitment to serving clients across Georgia,” remarked Trey Dawson, President of Pape-Dawson. “Gaskins + LeCraw has built a strong reputation for excellence, which aligns with our values and vision for the future, and we’re thrilled to welcome their talented team members to the Pape-Dawson family.”
September 15, 2025
Ardurra Group (Ardurra), a Florida-based provider of engineering and design services to public and private firms nationwide, backed by Littlejohn & Co., has acquired Perteet, a Washington-based infrastructure consulting firm. The acquisition brings Perteet’s transportation capabilities and strong relationships with public agencies. “Perteet has always been guided by the values of client service, collaboration, and community,” noted Crystal Donner, President and CEO of Perteet. “In Ardurra, we found a partner that shares those values while bringing the resources to help us grow and expand our impact.”
September 16, 2025
Salas O’Brien, a California-based provider of engineering and consulting services, backed by Blackstone, has been joined by rCon Engineers, a Canada-based provider of various services for industrial clients, including civil and structural design, construction supervision, feasibility studies, and inspections and design of remedial work. The merger strengthens Salas O’Brien’s ability to provide turnkey services to the heavy industry sector. Darin Anderson, Chairman and CEO of Salas O’Brien, said, “This team brings outstanding talent and expertise that align perfectly with our vision. Together, we will expand our impact in heavy industry and beyond, creating even greater opportunities to serve clients and grow our team across North America.”
September 16, 2025
Egis, a France-based global provider of architecture, consulting, construction engineering, operations, and mobility services, backed by Tikehau Capital, has acquired Ecometrix, a Canada-based environmental and water consultancy. The acquisition bolsters Egis’ capabilities in environmental services, especially related to nuclear, mining, and water resources. Greg Northcott, CEO of Egis Canada, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Ecometrix to Egis. This new acquisition continues the firm’s growth in Canada, strengthening our ability to support our clients’ needs.”
September 17, 2025
REI Utility Services (REI), a Texas-based provider of power systems engineering and field services to electric utilities, backed by LP First Capital, has acquired Torlan Engineering (Torlan), a Texas-based power systems engineering firm. The acquisition strengthens REI’s capabilities and regional presence in South Central utility markets by leveraging Torlan’s strong client relationships in Texas and Oklahoma. Mitchell Mayo, CEO of REI Utility Services, said, "We are excited to have their expertise and talent on our team. We believe the expertise that the Torlan team brings will only strengthen what we already have and will allow REI to continue providing its client-centered services across the nation at a new level. Expanded service offerings, same REI, same quality—only stronger."
We are thrilled to welcome Tammy Eisenberg and Kian Shah to the EFCG team!
Tammy joins EFCG as our Legal & Compliance Manager, bringing over 20 years of legal and compliance leadership experience, with prior roles at NerdWallet, Stash, BNY Mellon, Mizuho, and Cowen. Her expertise spans FinTech, institutional broker-dealer matters, and capital markets. She has also been a featured speaker at industry forums and published on compliance best practices in the Journal of Securities Law, Regulation and Compliance.
Kian joins our Consulting team as an Analyst after graduating from Claremont McKenna College with a B.A. in Economics. He previously interned with the National Geographic Society’s endowment and with EFCG, gaining valuable industry exposure.
Welcome aboard, Tammy and Kian! We’re excited to have you both with us!
The EFCG Weekly Briefing summarizes the week’s key news in the AEC industry, including M&A updates, and micro- and macro-trends, aggregated from industry-focused and global news sources.
To send any additional press releases or news from your firm that you would like us to share please email Clay Han at chan@efcg.com.