Certerra Acquires Tierra, Expanding Geotechnical & Testing Services
Certerra, a leading provider of technology-enabled testing, inspection, and certification services for critical infrastructure, has announced the acquisition of Tierra, Inc., a well-established geotechnical and materials engineering firm. With over 27 years of experience serving both government agencies and private sector clients in Florida, Tierra’s addition strengthens Certerra’s presence in the Southeast, offering expanded opportunities for both firms to grow and better serve their clients.
Since 2021, Certerra has completed 15 acquisitions of top-tier firms across the U.S., building a national platform focused on testing, inspection, and certification in materials engineering and earth sciences. The acquisition of Tierra marks another milestone in Certerra’s growth, following its recent rebranding initiative, reinforcing its position as a key partner in ensuring resilient and long-lasting infrastructure.
Strengthening Presence in Florida and Beyond
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Tierra employs over 210 professionals and specializes in geotechnical and materials engineering, construction inspection and testing, subsurface exploratory drilling, environmental consulting, and building envelope testing. The company operates from three CMEC-certified and FDOT-qualified laboratory facilities in Tampa, Orlando, and Pensacola.
With this acquisition, Certerra significantly expands its footprint in Florida. Tierra is Certerra’s second transaction in the state and its largest to date. With existing offices in Tampa and Cape Canaveral, Certerra now has a workforce of over 400 employees in the region. This strategic move enhances its ability to support critical civil infrastructure projects, including those led by design consultants, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), city and county governments, municipalities, aerospace clients, general contractors, and industrial and commercial developers.
Leadership Perspectives on the Acquisition
“This is a crucial achievement for both Certerra and Tierra,” said Ed Lyon, CEO of Certerra. “Florida is expected to receive approximately $17 billion in Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act funding, making this expansion particularly timely. Tierra has been a dominant player in the region for nearly three decades. Our combined teams will expand geographically, enhance service capabilities, and improve our ability to support clients in earth and construction materials sciences.”
Henri Jean, Regional President of Tierra, echoed these sentiments. “Over the past 30 years, Tierra has become one of Florida’s leading geotechnical and material engineering consultants, offering a diverse range of services to support the region’s largest and most complex construction projects. Our culture of client-focused service has remained consistent, and we believe this partnership with Certerra will benefit both our employees and clients while accelerating growth in the Southeast.”
Meeting Growing Infrastructure Demands
The U.S. construction and infrastructure industry is seeing rapid growth, particularly in states like Florida, where substantial federal and state investments are driving new developments. Certerra’s acquisition of Tierra comes at a time when geotechnical engineering, materials testing, and environmental services are more critical than ever in ensuring the success and longevity of infrastructure projects.
By joining forces, the two companies will provide a more comprehensive suite of services, leveraging technology to improve efficiency and reliability. Tierra’s specialized knowledge in Florida’s unique geological and environmental conditions complements Certerra’s national reach and technical expertise, creating a powerful synergy for tackling complex infrastructure challenges.
A Legacy of Excellence
Tierra has built a strong reputation in Florida’s engineering and construction sectors. The firm specializes in a range of services, including:
- Geotechnical engineering and exploratory drilling
- Field sampling and geologic laboratory testing
- Construction materials testing and inspection
- Environmental consulting, including asbestos and lead-based paint surveys
- Environmental site assessments and remediation planning
- Building envelope testing for structural integrity and safety
Tierra’s commitment to delivering high-quality services, meeting project timelines, and providing cost-effective engineering solutions has made it a trusted partner for infrastructure developers across Florida. With this acquisition, Tierra will continue to operate under its established brand while benefiting from Certerra’s expanded resources, advanced technologies, and nationwide network.
Legal Advisors and Transaction Details
Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP acted as legal advisor to Certerra, while Trenam Law served as legal advisor to Tierra. This strategic acquisition follows a series of carefully executed expansions by Certerra, each aimed at solidifying its role as a premier provider of testing, inspection, and certification services nationwide.
