AECOM Announces Strategic Acquisition of Allen Gordon LLP
The UK and Ireland are standing at a watershed moment, quite literally. With infrastructure investment in water and energy markets poised to exceed £250 billion over the coming decade, the demand for innovation, resilience, and sustainability has never been greater.
Amid this backdrop, AECOM, the globally recognised infrastructure leader, has made a bold move by acquiring Scotland-based Allen Gordon LLP, a revered provider of technical design and advisory services in the water and energy sectors.
This acquisition is far more than a headline. It’s a statement of intent and a tangible leap forward, as AECOM gears up to deliver on the promise of a future where water and energy systems underpin economic growth and environmental responsibility.
A Legacy of Excellence and Local Impact
Since its founding in 1971, Allen Gordon has steadily built a reputation as a trusted partner for some of the region’s most influential water utilities and renewable energy players. With deep roots in Scotland and a reach that extends throughout the UK and Ireland, Allen Gordon’s team brings decades of experience, technical excellence, and an impressive portfolio of long-term client relationships to the table.
The firm’s legacy isn’t just about projects delivered; it’s about frameworks sustained and trust earned through generations of collaboration. From water resource management and treatment works to renewable energy integration, Allen Gordon’s fingerprints are all over the region’s modern infrastructure.
As Richard Whitehead, chief executive of AECOM’s Europe & India region, put it: “We are delighted to have the Allen Gordon team join AECOM at a critical moment when spending is expected to accelerate across the water and energy markets. Allen Gordon has trusted relationships with key clients across the region and maintains substantial framework capacity from repeat clients that provides tremendous opportunities for growth.”
Strategic Timing Amid Historic Investment
The timing of this acquisition couldn’t be more astute. The UK and Ireland are on the cusp of major transformation, with both public and private sectors funnelling unprecedented capital into the renewal and expansion of water and energy infrastructure. Policy shifts around climate resilience, stricter water quality regulations, and aggressive targets for net-zero carbon are all fuelling this investment surge.
Industry analysts note that water companies across England and Wales are entering a new regulatory cycle, with Ofwat’s PR24 framework alone earmarking billions for improvements. Meanwhile, Scotland’s ambitious net-zero targets and Ireland’s green transition plans are driving a parallel wave of renewable energy and utility upgrades.
By welcoming Allen Gordon into its fold, AECOM sends a clear message that it is ready to be at the heart of this change, delivering both at scale and with the personal touch that only established local expertise can provide.
Unlocking Synergies
This deal is about much more than adding headcount. It’s about unlocking synergies that benefit both existing and new clients across the UK and Ireland. AECOM, already ranked as the world’s top water design firm, is bolstering its capability with a team that knows the region’s regulatory quirks, project pitfalls, and—importantly—its people.
For Beverley Stinson, chief executive of AECOM’s global Water business, the significance is clear: “We are excited to welcome the Allen Gordon team to AECOM. We have an extensive history of collaborating together to support the most critical projects in the region. We have a stated goal of doubling our water business globally over the next five years, and the addition of the Allen Gordon team strengthens our offering in one of the fastest growing markets in the world.”
The acquisition brings Allen Gordon’s deep knowledge of UK and Irish procurement frameworks, project delivery models, and client expectations directly into AECOM’s innovation pipeline. This blend of global muscle and local wisdom is set to produce not just growth, but smarter, more sustainable infrastructure outcomes.
Strengthening Client Relationships
AECOM’s clients in both public and private sectors stand to gain from this expanded platform. With Allen Gordon’s relationships, AECOM now has unprecedented access to a network of repeat clients and critical frameworks—ranging from Scottish Water to major renewable energy developers.
Stephen Munro, a Partner at Allen Gordon, shared his perspective: “We are energised by the growth opportunities in our markets, and with AECOM’s scale and expertise we are even better situated to capitalise and deliver for our clients. By joining the world’s number one-ranked water design firm, we will leverage our combined strengths, strong local commitment and client credibility to jointly deliver on growth opportunities that accelerate our collective ambition to be the leading consultancy in the UK&I market.”
For existing Allen Gordon clients, the message is clear: the trusted team they’ve relied on for decades will remain front and centre, now backed by AECOM’s formidable technical resources, digital platforms, and global best practice.
What This Means for the Water & Energy Sectors
This acquisition positions AECOM to take on an even greater leadership role in shaping the UK and Ireland’s water and energy future. Here’s why this matters:
- Accelerated project delivery: More hands on deck means greater capacity for large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects.
- Enhanced digital and sustainability expertise: Combining Allen Gordon’s practical, on-the-ground knowledge with AECOM’s global digital innovation pushes the envelope on smart infrastructure and climate resilience.
- Unmatched regulatory insight: Navigating water and energy projects in the UK and Ireland requires deft handling of shifting regulations—a capability now even stronger with Allen Gordon’s team on board.
- Opportunities for talent: The combined entity is set to be a magnet for talent, with opportunities for development and cross-market collaboration.
AECOM’s Broader Commitment
Let’s not forget the bigger picture. AECOM isn’t just snapping up firms; it’s building a future-focused enterprise committed to sustainability, resilience, and community benefit. The company’s global reach extends across water, environment, energy, transport, and buildings, with each discipline feeding into a holistic approach to modern infrastructure.
With fiscal year 2024 revenues at $16.1 billion and a Fortune 500 ranking, AECOM brings formidable backing and stability to the table. But more important, perhaps, is its commitment to partnerships—working with clients and communities from planning and design to delivery and operations.
A Bright Future for Water and Energy
With Allen Gordon now part of the AECOM family, clients, communities, and stakeholders in the UK and Ireland can look forward to a future defined by smarter, greener, and more resilient infrastructure. This move isn’t just about growth; it’s about raising the bar for what’s possible in the water and energy sectors.
As the next decade of investment unfolds, this new partnership stands ready to shape a legacy—one where people, planet, and progress are front and centre.
