M&A Transaction

Galloway Acquires Z Development Services for National Expansion

Galloway & Company enhances its engineering and development services through the acquisition of Z Development Services, backed by ARA Services Partners and Kelso & Company.

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Alvaro de la Maza

Partner at Aninver

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Key Takeaways

  • Galloway & Company acquired Z Development Services.
  • Sector: Business Services.
  • Geography: United States.

Analysis

Galloway & Company, a prominent national architecture and engineering firm headquartered in Denver, has finalized its acquisition of Z Development Services, a Florida-based entity specializing in civil engineering and development support. This strategic move, effective April 10, 2026, significantly bolsters Galloway's national expansion objectives, with crucial backing from investment partners ARA Services Partners and Kelso & Company.

The integration of Z Development Services injects a seasoned team with extensive experience in due diligence, civil engineering design, and comprehensive project management, spanning from initial design phases through permitting and final development. This acquisition is particularly noteworthy as it enhances Galloway's capacity to offer a more robust suite of multidisciplinary services to clients nationwide. The Z Development Services team will continue operations from their Orlando base, ensuring client continuity while gaining access to Galloway's broader national network and diverse expertise.

This development underscores Galloway's commitment to a deliberate growth trajectory. The firm, established in 1982, has cultivated a substantial presence, now comprising 370 professionals across 17 offices in 10 states. Its consistent upward trajectory is reflected in its ranking on the Engineering News Record Top 500, where it has climbed 102 positions in the last five years to reach number 288. With professional licensing in all 50 states and an impressive portfolio of 14 in-house disciplines, Galloway positions itself as a comprehensive, multidisciplinary powerhouse in the architecture and engineering sector.

The acquisition of Z Development Services is more than just an expansion of geographic reach; it represents a strategic enhancement of Galloway's service capabilities. By incorporating Z Development's specialized skills, Galloway can now offer an even more integrated and comprehensive approach to complex development projects. This move is particularly relevant in the current market, where clients increasingly seek single-source providers capable of managing diverse project requirements from conception to completion. The civil engineering sector, a critical component of infrastructure and real estate development, is experiencing steady growth, driven by ongoing urbanization and infrastructure investment.

Dave Guetig, PE, President of Galloway & Company, emphasized the cultural alignment and strategic benefits, stating, “The addition of Z Development Services supports Galloway’s continued national growth, and it enhances the resources we can bring to clients across the country. Just as important, Z Development’s people-first mindset and commitment to client service strongly align with our culture, so we are excited to welcome them to Galloway.” This sentiment was echoed by Bob Ziegenfuss, PE, Founder and President of Z Development Services, who noted, “Joining Galloway is a natural fit because their values and commitment to client success reflect our own. By uniting our teams, we significantly enhance our collective skillset, allowing us to expand our regional and national influence while delivering even greater opportunities and innovative solutions for our clients.”

This consolidation within the architecture and engineering services sector reflects a broader trend of consolidation driven by the pursuit of scale, efficiency, and expanded service offerings. Firms backed by private equity, such as ARA Services Partners and Kelso & Company, are actively facilitating such mergers to capitalize on market opportunities and create more robust, competitive entities. The combined strength of Galloway and Z Development Services is expected to yield significant advantages in securing larger, more complex projects and delivering enhanced value to a diverse client base across the United States.