Aventia Acquires ECM Consultants for Gulf Coast Expansion

Aventia, a national environmental services provider backed by Bernhard Capital Partners, has significantly expanded its engineering and infrastructure capabilities through the acquisition of ECM Consultants. This strategic move deepens Aventia's footprint across the Gulf South, integrating ECM's nearly three decades of specialized expertise in critical infrastructure and resilience projects.

Founded in 1995, ECM Consultants brings a robust portfolio of over 1,700 completed projects, with a strong focus on coastal engineering, port development, transportation infrastructure, and civil works. Their proficiency in flood risk reduction and coastal resilience is particularly relevant in a region facing increasing environmental challenges. With established offices in Louisiana, ECM serves a diverse client base including federal agencies, state authorities, and local governments, making them a valuable addition to Aventia's growing platform.

This acquisition represents Aventia's sixth since its inception in 2022, underscoring its aggressive growth strategy under Bernhard Capital Partners' stewardship. Aventia, which now boasts over 400 professionals, aims to deliver integrated consulting, field services, and technology solutions across more than 40 states. The integration of ECM's specialized knowledge is expected to enhance Aventia's ability to address complex environmental and infrastructure needs nationwide.

“The addition of ECM Consultants significantly strengthens our technical depth and regional presence in the Gulf South,” stated Dirk Applegate, CEO of Aventia. “Their extensive experience in vital infrastructure and commitment to sustainable solutions align perfectly with our mission to foster healthier communities. We are eager to leverage their 30 years of client relationships and engineering acumen to better serve our national clientele.”

Ujjal DasGupta, President & Founder of ECM Consultants, expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter. “Joining Aventia opens up considerable avenues for our team to broaden our project scope and impact, while upholding the client-centric approach and quality standards we’ve cultivated. We are excited to contribute our specialized expertise to Aventia’s expansive network and collaborative environment.”

Chris Dillon, Partner at Bernhard Capital Partners, highlighted the strategic fit. “ECM’s deep-rooted infrastructure experience and strong Gulf South connections are a superb complement to Aventia’s existing service offerings. This transaction is a key step in positioning Aventia as a comprehensive solutions provider and unlocking new growth opportunities across the platform.” The environmental and infrastructure consulting sector, a critical component of national development and climate adaptation efforts, continues to see consolidation as firms seek scale and broader service capabilities.