Business Moves: Dec. 2025

AECOM acquires AI start-up

AECOM has acquired Consigli, a Norwegian AI start-up, marking a significant strategic shift toward technology integration in the consulting sector. The move reflects growing industry recognition that verticalised AI is automating service work while tech companies command substantially higher revenue multiples than traditional consultancies. This acquisition signals the beginning of competitive consolidation in project consulting, with implications for engineering, project controls, procurement, and commercial services across the sector.

PLATFORM expands Ontario footprint

PLATFORM has opened a new office in Thunder Bay, Ontario, marking a significant expansion across Canada. Led by Managing Director Jim Puhalski, the office will serve the construction and infrastructure sectors throughout Northwestern Ontario. The team, including Director Patrick Galloway and Account Manager Shawna Kozak, will deliver specialized advisory services and strengthen client relationships in the region. This strategic move positions PLATFORM closer to clients and reinforces its commitment to supporting the construction industry’s evolving needs.

AtkinsRéalis buys Australian engineering firm

AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. has acquired ADG Capital Pty Ltd., an Australian engineering consulting firm specializing in structural and civil engineering and construction services. Founded in 2002, ADG brings approximately 250 professionals to AtkinsRéalis’s existing Australian operations. The acquisition strengthens AtkinsRéalis’s regional presence and combines ADG’s local project delivery expertise with AtkinsRéalis’s global platform to support growth in the Australian market.

DFI Piling purchases Brazilian helical pile expert

DFI Piling has announced the strategic acquisition of Tecnitork, Brazil’s specialist in helical-pile foundations. This expansion strengthens DFI Piling’s deep-foundation capabilities across Brazil and Latin America by combining Tecnitork’s local expertise with DFI Piling’s engineering and advanced installation methods. The combined entity will enhance service delivery to energy, oil & gas, mining, renewable, and civil-infrastructure markets throughout the region.

Zelus acquires Munck Cranes

Zelus Material Handling, a member of the Ardent Group of Companies, has acquired Munck Cranes, a leading Canadian overhead crane manufacturer and service provider founded in 1983. The acquisition combines two trusted industrial brands, expanding Zelus’ manufacturing capacity and service network across Canada. Zelus will maintain Munck’s operations during the transition, ensuring uninterrupted customer service. The combined entity now operates one of Canada’s largest crane service networks with over 55 field technicians and multiple fabrication facilities.

$2B Ontario copper project eyed by mining giants

Vale Base Metals and Glencore have agreed to jointly evaluate a potential US$2-billion copper project in Sudbury, Ontario. As 50-50 partners, the companies would extract 880,000 tonnes of copper over 21 years using infrastructure at Glencore’s Nickel Rim South Mine. The venture could also produce nickel, cobalt, gold, and platinum group metals. Detailed engineering and consultation work is planned for 2026, with a final investment decision expected in the first half of 2027.

QuadReal inks $495M industrial partnership

QuadReal has announced a $495 million strategic industrial partnership with LaSalle Investment Management. The partnership recapitalizes a high-quality U.S. industrial portfolio of 11 state-of-the-art assets totaling 3.3 million square feet across key logistics markets in Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, and Washington. QuadReal will retain majority ownership and continue managing the assets while LaSalle acquires a 49% interest, creating long-term value and expanding presence in critical U.S. logistics markets.

Énska obtains B Corp certification

Énska has achieved B Corporation certification, committing to use business as a force for good by prioritizing people, planet, and long-term impact alongside profit. The company, which acts as a fiduciary to First Nations and supports majority Indigenous-owned developments, meets rigorous global standards for governance, transparency, worker practices, community value, and environmental performance. The name Énska—Mohawk for “one”—reflects the company’s belief in bringing people together through purpose-driven leadership.

Trillick invests in ConstructionClock app

Trillick Ventures has announced an investment in ConstructionClock App, a geo-location-based timesheet and payroll solution for the construction industry. Founded by David Peters, the company has achieved 13%+ month-over-month growth and currently serves 3,000 companies with 13,000+ users across 75 trades in 6 sectors spanning 24 countries. The platform addresses a critical industry pain point, with 92% of construction timesheets containing errors that cost companies thousands in administrative and payroll expenses. Peters was recognized as Manitoba’s Most Promising Founder at the 2025 Manitoba Tech Awards.

Buildcheck AI snags $5.9M in funding for expansion

Buildcheck AI has secured $5.9 million in seed funding to expand its AI-powered construction design review platform. Led by Uncork Capital with participation from Peterson Ventures and Xfund, the funding will accelerate AI model development and team growth. The platform analyzes construction drawings across all disciplines, detecting errors and coordination issues that prevent costly field problems. Already serving 50+ customers including AvalonBay Communities, Buildcheck delivers 10–35x ROI during pre-construction phases.

Amrize wins ‘Contractor of the Year’ in B.C.

Amrize Building Materials has been recognized as the 2025 B.C. Contractor of the Year for their paving work on BC Highways 97 and 33. The award, presented annually by the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit, recognizes companies delivering exceptional infrastructure projects. The achievement reflects the team’s front-line crews’ successful delivery of crucial highway upgrades during summer 2025, demonstrating project quality and material logistics excellence.

Anglo American shareholders approve Teck acquisition

Anglo American’s shareholders have approved the company’s proposed acquisition of Teck Resources, a major Canadian mining company. The deal represents a significant consolidation in the global mining sector, combining two major players in copper and other critical minerals. The merger has already received regulatory clearance from Canadian authorities on national security grounds, and follows Anglo American’s rejection of competing takeover bids from rival mining giant BHP. The transaction is expected to create a more integrated mining operation with expanded capabilities across multiple commodity markets.

CM Labs Simulations acquires GlobalSim

CM Labs Simulations has acquired GlobalSim, a Utah-based developer of advanced training simulators, strengthening its position in simulation-based training for heavy equipment operations. The integration combines GlobalSim’s market expertise with CM Labs’ technology, delivering comprehensive next-generation training products that enhance workforce readiness, safety, and productivity while reducing training costs. The acquisition expands CM Labs’ U.S. manufacturing capabilities through GlobalSim’s Salt Lake City facility.

Crewscope announces integration with Fieldwire

Crewscope has launched a new integration with Fieldwire, developed in collaboration with EllisDon. The integration connects office planning with field execution by converting Fieldwire milestones into Crewscope weekly goals delivered to workers via SMS in their preferred language. The solution enables crews to access simplified weekly plans and visual calendars while providing project leaders with real-time visibility into progress, notes, and photos tied back to original tasks—creating a feedback loop between planning and jobsite execution.

BGO acquires $160M housing project

BGO has acquired View Royals Blueprint Residences for an estimated $160 million, marking a significant investment in British Columbia’s residential real estate market. This strategic acquisition strengthens BGO’s portfolio in the province’s growing residential sector, adding a substantial development project to its holdings. The purchase reflects continued confidence in the region’s housing demand and positions BGO to capitalize on opportunities in the competitive B.C. real estate landscape.