Acciona acquires 80% stake in Georgia infrastructure builder Vertical Earth
Acciona, a Madrid-based sustainable infrastructure contractor, announced an agreement to acquire 80% of Vertical Earth, an infrastructure builder in Cumming, Georgia. The deal, expected to close near year-end, will establish Atlanta as a strategic hub for Acciona's infrastructure growth, enhancing self-perform capabilities and access to local talent and suppliers. Vertical Earth, founded in 1997, generated $217 million in revenue in 2025 and employs over 600 professionals. Founder and CEO Brett Johnson will retain his role and a 20% stake. Acciona cited the strength of the U.S. infrastructure market, which accounts for 20% of the global industry, and plans to capitalize on DOT investments in the Southeast.
Dive Brief:
- Madrid-based Acciona, a contractor specializing in sustainable infrastructure, has reached an agreement to acquire 80% of Vertical Earth, an infrastructure builder based in Cumming, Georgia, according to a Wednesday announcement from Acciona. The dollar value of the deal was not disclosed.
- The deal, which is expected to close near the end of the year, will help Acciona establish Atlanta as the strategic hub for the growth of its infrastructure division, per the announcement.
- Acciona projects that the addition of Vertical Earth will boost its self-perform capabilities while also giving the firm access to local talent and suppliers, according to the company.
Dive Insight:
Vertical Earth, founded in 1997, generated $217 million in revenue in 2025, per Acciona, and employs more than 600 professionals across Georgia and Florida. As part of the deal, Brett Johnson, Vertical Earth’s founder and CEO, will retain his chief executive role and a 20% stake in the company.
The move represents another step in the active M&A cycle for contractors across the U.S., as sectors such as water, interiors, and infrastructure take off. It also comes amid an attractive environment for foreign investment, as international firms seek to enter the building market.
Indeed, Acciona cited the strength of the U.S. infrastructure market as a key factor in the decision. The country accounts for 20% of the global infrastructure industry, per the firm, and represents a contracting potential of $303 billion this year. Acciona also aims to capitalize on Department of Transportation plans to invest in the Southeast.
“Vertical Earth brings deep local knowledge, proven project experience, and strong technical capabilities that complement ACCIONA’s global infrastructure expertise,” said Carlos Planelles, managing director of Acciona’s Infrastructure Unit in North America, in the news release. “The deal reflects our confidence in the U.S. market and strengthens our ability to deliver complex, high-profile projects.”
Currently, Acciona is involved in the $4.6 billion SR 400 Express Lanes project in Georgia as part of a joint venture with ACS Infra and asset manager Meridiam.