Global Integrated Business Solutions LLC (GIBS) has entered into an agreement with Ares Management LLC to create an investment platform that will focus on companies in the engineering & construction (E&C) industry.
The firm’s goal is to accelerate the growth of established E&C firms to create the industry’s next market leaders.
GIBS’ Chicago, Illinois-based team will focus on investing in market-leading firms in the transportation, water, wastewater, energy and environmental sectors by arranging expansion capital, facilitating strategic acquisitions and supporting management initiatives.
Commenting on the agreement, Grant McCullagh, GIBS’s Chairman and CEO, said: “We see a significant opportunity in investing in leading E&C firms to help them strengthen their business, and are encouraged by the growing demand for new and replacement infrastructure projects worldwide”.
Mr. Calzolano, who will serve as Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance and Business Development., added: “Despite the consolidation among E&C firms over the last decade, the industry remains highly fragmented. We are bullish on our platform at this time, when scale, geographic reach, and depth of both capabilities and resources is ever more critical for long-term success in this highly competitive sector”.
Headquartered in Los Angeles with approximately 250 employees and professionals located across the United States and Europe, Ares Management is an investment adviser and alternative asset manager with total committed capital under management of approximately $30 billion as of September 30, 2009.
FinSMEs
09/10/2009