Black & White Engineering Expands with Homan OBrien Acquisition
Deal News | May 07, 2025 | EIN
Global engineering design consultancy Black & White Engineering has acquired Homan OBrien, an independent Irish consulting engineering firm, to strengthen its footprint in the data center and infrastructure sectors. Homan OBrien, with roots dating back to 1955, brings expertise across sectors including data centers, healthcare, and residential facilities. The strategic acquisition allows Black & White Engineering to establish a regional headquarters in Dublin, leveraging the city's vital role in the global data center market. This aligns with the firm's growth strategy and is supported by its partnership with Waterland, an independent investment group that has contributed to Black & White Engineering's 500% expansion since 2020. Brian Homan, managing director of Homan OBrien, will retire in 2025, marking a significant transition in the firm's leadership as they integrate with Black & White Engineering.
Sectors
- Engineering Consultancy
- Data Centres
- Infrastructure
Geography
- Ireland – The acquisition involves establishing a regional headquarters in Dublin, which plays a strategic role in Black & White Engineering's expansion.
Industry
- Engineering Consultancy – The article involves Black & White Engineering and Homan OBrien, which specialize in engineering design services across various sectors.
- Data Centres – The acquisition focuses on expanding capabilities in the data center sector, particularly due to Dublin's strategic role in this market.
- Infrastructure – The expansion efforts involve increasing infrastructure capabilities, which are part of Black & White Engineering's growth strategy.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black & White Engineering | Buyer | Company | A global engineering design consultancy aiming to expand its presence in data centres and infrastructure. |
| Homan OBrien | Target | Company | An Irish independent consulting engineering firm specializing in mechanical and electrical engineering. |
| Waterland | Other - PE Backer | Company | An independent investment group supporting Black & White Engineering's growth strategy. |
| Mick Cairns | CEO | Person | CEO and founder of Black & White Engineering. |
| Brian Homan | Retiring Joint Managing Director | Person | Joint Managing Director of Homan OBrien set to retire in 2025. |