Homan OBrien Joins Black & White Engineering in Strategic Acquisition
Deal News | May 01, 2025 | B Daily
Black & White Engineering, a global consultancy headquartered in Newcastle, has acquired Dublin-based Homan OBrien, a mechanical and electrical engineering firm. The move is part of Black & White's strategy to expand its international operations by leveraging Homan OBrien's expertise in sectors such as data centers, healthcare, education, and industrial facilities. This acquisition allows Black & White to enhance its capabilities in Ireland and strengthens its role within the global data center market. As a part of this growth strategy, Black & White aims to collaborate closely with Homan OBrien, leveraging their local expertise while scaling operations and team size. Support from investment firm Waterland, which partnered with Black & White in 2024, has been instrumental in accelerating this expansion, contributing to a 500% increase in company size since 2020.
Sectors
- Engineering Consultancy
- Investment and Private Equity
- Data Center Infrastructure
Geography
- United Kingdom – Black & White Engineering is headquartered in Newcastle, UK, from where it coordinates its global operations.
- Ireland – Homan OBrien is based in Dublin, Ireland, and the acquisition signifies Black & White's expansion into this market, which is pivotal for the data center sector.
Industry
- Engineering Consultancy – Both Black & White Engineering and Homan OBrien operate within the engineering consultancy sector, providing specialized services in sectors such as data centers, healthcare, education, and industrial facilities.
- Investment and Private Equity – Waterland, an investment group, has supported Black & White Engineering in its growth strategy, highlighting the involvement of private equity in driving company expansions.
- Data Center Infrastructure – The acquisition enhances Black & White's capabilities within the data center infrastructure sector, especially considering Dublin's role in the global data center market.
Financials
- 500% – Growth in Black & White Engineering's size since 2020, supported by Waterland's investment.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black & White Engineering | Bidding Company | Company | A global engineering consultancy headquartered in Newcastle, known for its extensive operations across 18 cities worldwide. |
| Homan OBrien | Target Company | Company | A mechanical and electrical engineering firm based in Dublin, specializing in sectors like data centers and healthcare. |
| Waterland | Investment Support | Company | An independent investment group that partnered with Black & White Engineering to accelerate its growth strategy. |