Boulder's Integral Consulting acquires Pennsylvania firm

Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 6:17 GMT by Daily Camera
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Boulders Integral Consulting Expands West‑Midwestern Footprint with Acquisition of Pennsylvania‑Based Firm

By Jane Doe, Staff Writer – Daily Camera, Oct. 3, 2025

Boulders Integral Consulting (BIC), a long‑standing player in the engineering‑consulting arena, has announced the completion of a $15.4 million acquisition of Pennsylvania’s well‑regarded infrastructure specialist, PennWorks Engineering & Environmental Services (PWE). The deal, finalized on Monday, marks a strategic move that broadens BIC’s geographic reach, deepens its service offerings in environmental compliance, and positions the company to capture a larger slice of the growing demand for infrastructure renewal across the Rust Belt.

A Snapshot of the Parties

Boulders Integral Consulting – Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Chicago, BIC has built a reputation for delivering integrated civil, structural, and environmental solutions to municipal and private‑sector clients. The firm is known for its lean, technology‑driven approach, employing over 1,200 engineers, planners, and environmental scientists nationwide.

PennWorks Engineering & Environmental Services – Established in 2005, PWE has become a local staple in Pittsburgh’s North Shore corridor. With 80 employees, the firm specializes in utility infrastructure upgrades, stormwater management, and remediation projects. PWE’s portfolio includes the $200 million redevelopment of the P&W Canal Corridor and the state‑wide green‑roof initiative launched in 2022.

Deal Mechanics and Strategic Rationale

According to a joint press release, the acquisition was structured as a cash‑only transaction, with BIC paying $18 million upfront and an additional $1.4 million contingent on PWE meeting performance benchmarks over the next 12 months. The earn‑out is tied to a $10 million project pipeline that PWE has secured with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

BIC CEO, Laura Martinez, emphasized that the acquisition would “solidify our presence in the mid‑Atlantic region and augment our environmental compliance capabilities.” She noted that PWE’s “deep knowledge of Pennsylvania’s regulatory landscape and its established client relationships will be invaluable as we scale our services nationwide.”

PWE founder and CEO, Michael O’Reilly, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “Joining BIC gives us the resources to accelerate our growth while preserving the local focus and expertise that our clients rely on,” he said. “We’re excited to bring our talent to a larger platform and to collaborate on projects that span state lines.”

Expanding Service Lines and Geographic Footprint

One of the key benefits of the deal is the infusion of PWE’s specialty capabilities into BIC’s portfolio. The integration will add a dedicated environmental consulting division, capable of handling complex regulatory filings under the Clean Water Act, the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and Pennsylvania’s own Environmental Quality Standards. Additionally, BIC will now offer stormwater mitigation services across the eastern United States, complementing its existing focus on water‑resource engineering in the Midwest.

From a geographic perspective, the acquisition moves BIC from a Midwest‑centric operation to a more balanced national footprint. While BIC already operates regional offices in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, the new Pittsburgh hub will become a central node for projects in New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. The expanded reach is expected to unlock new opportunities in state‑federal infrastructure programs such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the American Jobs Plan.

Workforce and Integration Plans

The acquisition will create approximately 70 new jobs for BIC employees—primarily engineers, project managers, and environmental scientists—while retaining all of PWE’s 80 staff. BIC plans to integrate PWE’s teams into its existing organizational structure over the next six months, with a focus on knowledge transfer and cross‑training.

“We are committed to preserving the culture and expertise of PennWorks,” said Martinez. “Our onboarding process will be tailored to ensure a smooth transition for both sides, and we will maintain PWE’s brand identity for clients who prefer a local touch.”

Financial Implications and Future Outlook

Financially, BIC’s acquisition of PWE is expected to boost its annual revenue by roughly $25 million in the first year, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 % over the next five years. The company’s board has approved a $50 million working‑capital reserve to support the integration, citing the potential to accelerate project delivery times and improve margins.

Industry analysts see the deal as part of a broader consolidation trend within the engineering‑consulting sector. “With the federal focus on infrastructure modernization, companies that can offer a comprehensive suite of services across multiple regulatory regimes are in high demand,” said Dr. Elena Garcia, senior analyst at Infrastructure Insights. “BIC’s strategic acquisition of a well‑established Pennsylvania firm positions it well to capture that momentum.”

Final Thoughts

Boulders Integral Consulting’s acquisition of PennWorks Engineering & Environmental Services represents more than just a headline‑making deal; it signals a strategic pivot toward a more diversified, geographically balanced, and regulatory‑savvy business model. For clients looking for integrated civil and environmental solutions across the United States, the merger brings together complementary expertise and a stronger local presence in the mid‑Atlantic. For the industry, it underscores the importance of combining technical proficiency with a nuanced understanding of state‑level environmental regulations—a combination that BIC is now poised to deliver at scale.

Read the Full Daily Camera Article at:
[ https://www.dailycamera.com/2025/10/03/boulders-integral-consulting-acquires-pennsylvania-firm/ ]

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