Blackstone Takes Minority Stake in AEC Firm Salas O’Brien

Funds managed by Blackstone have made a strategic minority growth investment in Irvine-based Salas O’Brien, an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm, to help accelerate the company’s continued expansion within the fast-growing architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) market. Salas O’Brien will continue to be majority owned by its team members.

“Salas O’Brien is thrilled to partner with Blackstone as we continue our journey of growth,” said Darin Anderson, chairman and CEO of Salas O’Brien. “As more companies and institutions pursue their decarbonization, energy transition, and critical infrastructure goals, Salas O’Brien’s expertise has never been more needed in the world. Blackstone’s investment helps us gain greater access to talent, enhances our technology resources, and helps us better serve more clients.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Guggenheim Securities served as exclusive financial advisor and Latham & Watkins served as legal counsel to Salas O’Brien. Chartwell Financial Advisory served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as a legal advisor to Blackstone.