Spanish investment in the United States
The Spanish infrastructure company is strengthening its execution capacity in the North American market by acquiring a majority stake in the Georgia-based construction firm. The transaction, which consolidates Atlanta as its strategic hub, comes in a market with a potential contract value of $303.000 billion.
The Spanish multinational ACCIONA has closed a strategic agreement for the acquisition of 80% of Vertical Earth, a leading infrastructure contracting company based in GeorgiaThis transaction, which is expected to close before the end of the year, consolidates Atlanta as the nerve center for the growth of the company's Infrastructure division in Estados Unidos.
With this movement, ACCIONA not only does it expand its presence, but it also significantly enhances its self-execution capacity in a key market. The acquisition of Vertical EarthFounded in 1997, it brings deep local knowledge, access to a consolidated network of suppliers and qualified talent, crucial factors for competing in the complex North American infrastructure sector. Brett Johnson, founder and CEO of Vertical Earth, will maintain a 20% stake and will continue to lead the management, ensuring the continuity and integration of the business.
A strategic alliance for the US market
The infrastructure market of Estados Unidos It represents approximately 20% of the world total, with a hiring potential that reaches 303.000 million just for this year. This dynamism is driven by ambitious investment plans from state Departments of Transportation, especially in the Southeast, and a strong focus on models of public-private partnership (PPP), an area of specialization for ACCIONA.
The acquisition comes at a time of exponential growth for the Spanish company in the country. In the last two years, ACCIONA has increased its aggregate project portfolio tenfold in EEUU, until reaching nearly 70.000 billion euros. Carlos Planelles, Director General of the Infrastructure Unit of ACCIONA en Norteamérica, he highlighted the importance of the agreement: «Vertical Earth It brings deep local knowledge, proven project experience, and strong technical capabilities that complement the global experience of ACCIONA in infrastructure. This transaction reflects our confidence in the US market and reinforces our ability to execute complex, high-profile projects."
For its part, Brett Johnson, CEO of Vertical EarthHe described the alliance as "a natural and very exciting step." Johnson"The agreement creates new growth opportunities for the team of Vertical Earth"While allowing us to continue serving our customers and partners with the same commitment, focus, and local expertise."
| Concept | Figure/Data |
|---|---|
| Share acquired by ACCIONA | 80 % |
| Income from Vertical Earth (2025) | 217 million dollars (191 million euros) |
| Professional team of Vertical Earth | Over 600 employees |
| Potential for hiring in infrastructure (EEUU, 2026) | 303.000 million |
ACCIONA's consolidated footprint in the United States
This acquisition adds to a solid and diversified portfolio of projects that ACCIONA It is already being developed in the country. GeorgiaThe company is leading the SR-400 freeway project in Atlanta. In Luisiana, participates in the replacement of the bridge over the river Calcasieu, one of the largest investments in the state's history. Furthermore, in Dakota del Norte, is part of the consortium developing the flood diversion project of Fargo-Moorhead.
Beyond the civil engineering work, the presence of ACCIONA It covers strategic sectors such as water, with projects in California, Florida y Puerto Rico; energy, with 3GW of installed renewable capacity; and culture, with projects for iconic institutions such as the Museo Nacional de Inmigración de Ellis Island and the Hip Hop Museum en Nueva York.
Key points and frequently asked questions about ACCIONA's acquisition of Vertical Earth
What does this acquisition mean for ACCIONA's strategy in North America?
The acquisition is a key move to strengthen its self-execution capacity of projects. By integrating a well-established local construction company, ACCIONA It reduces dependence on subcontractors, provides greater control over costs and deadlines, and improves competitiveness in tenders, especially in public-private partnership (PPP) models.
How does this operation impact Spanish companies operating in the infrastructure sector in the US?
It reinforces the image of Spanish engineering and construction as a leading player in one of the world's most demanding markets. For the value chain, it can generate new opportunities for specialized Spanish suppliers and subcontractors collaborating with ACCIONA in its North American projects, opening doors to the internationalization of other SMEs in the sector.
Why is the southeastern United States such an attractive market for infrastructure investment?
The southeast, with states like Georgia y FloridaThese states are experiencing significant population and economic growth, generating strong demand for the modernization and expansion of transportation, water, and energy infrastructure. Furthermore, the Departments of Transportation in these states have ambitious multi-year investment plans, offering a stable and large-scale project portfolio.
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