B&V Acquires MJ Gleeson’s Water Business
Global engineering and consulting firm Black & Veatch (B&V) announced this week that it has acquired the water business of MJ Gleeson Group, an Australian construction and civil engineering company. This strategic acquisition significantly expands B&V’s water infrastructure capabilities and strengthens its presence across the Asia-Pacific region.
MJ Gleeson’s water infrastructure division specializes in designing and constructing water and wastewater treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, dams, reservoirs, and other water-related projects. For over 50 years, the company has delivered major water infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand, working extensively with municipalities, utilities, and industrial clients.
Its portfolio includes a diverse range of successful water projects such as the Mundaring Water Treatment Plant in Western Australia, the Macintosh Wastewater Network in New Zealand, and the Adelaide Desalination Plant in South Australia. MJ Gleeson is recognized for its technical expertise in all aspects of water and wastewater engineering, project management, and construction across both greenfield development and brownfield upgrades.
According to B&V’s CEO and President Mario Azar, this acquisition strategically aligns with the company’s focus on growing its global water business amid increasing demand driven by rapid urbanization, climate change pressures, and rising water quality standards. “Water scarcity and quality issues are urgent global challenges and we aim to provide leading solutions that make the world’s water cleaner, safer, and more accessible,” said Azar.
Azar further explained that MJ Gleeson’s respected reputation and proven water project delivery record made it an ideal fit for B&V as both firms share a commitment to engineering excellence and innovation. Adding MJ Gleeson’s water expertise and local experience will significantly boost B&V’s capacity to serve municipal, industrial, and agricultural clients in Australia, New Zealand, and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
B&V also gains over 450 skilled water professionals from MJ Gleeson to join its worldwide workforce of over 10,000 employees, strengthening its global pool of water talent. Through this deal, B&V can leverage MJ Gleeson’s well-established presence across Australasia to build up its regional water teams and enhance collaboration across its global offices.
MJ Gleeson’s Managing Director, James Gleeson, noted the deal’s strategic benefits for both companies. “Becoming part of Black & Veatch opens up exciting new growth opportunities for our people and enhances the value we can deliver to clients throughout the region and worldwide,” said Gleeson.
B&V plans to fully leverage this strategic acquisition to expand its water service offerings and client base across Australasia and the wider Asia Pacific region. The company sees increasing high-value demand for water and wastewater infrastructure and technology solutions in Asia-Pacific’s urban centers facing urgent water security challenges compounded by pollution, extreme weather, and population growth. This deal positions B&V well to meet this rising regional demand and strengthen its leadership in the global water sector.