GHK Capital Partners LP Acquires CPL, Leading Architecture, Engineering, and Design Firm
GHK Capital Partners LP (“GHK”), a prominent middle-market private equity firm, announced today that it has successfully acquired CPL (the “Company”). The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. This strategic move aligns with GHK’s focus on partnering with high-growth firms in the architecture, engineering, and construction services space.
About CPL and Its Legacy
Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Rochester, New York, CPL has established itself as a leading provider of architecture, engineering, and consulting services for the built environment. Over nearly five decades, the firm has developed an exceptional reputation for delivering high-quality, integrated services across multiple disciplines. With over 50 distinct service offerings, CPL supports clients throughout the entire life cycle of their facilities, from initial development and design to renovation, rehabilitation, and ongoing maintenance.
CPL serves a wide range of critical end-markets, including healthcare, education, and civic infrastructure. The firm’s multidisciplinary approach allows it to act as a trusted advisor, ensuring that complex projects meet the specific operational, technical, and regulatory needs of its clients. With more than 500 employees operating from 25 offices across eight states in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Southeast regions, CPL is uniquely positioned to provide both local expertise and regional scale for large, multi-site projects.
Strategic Growth Opportunities with GHK Partnership
The partnership between GHK and CPL sets the stage for an ambitious growth strategy designed to expand CPL’s footprint and capabilities. Key elements of this strategy include entering new end-markets, expanding into additional geographies, investing strategically in technology initiatives, and pursuing an active mergers and acquisitions program.
By leveraging GHK’s expertise and resources, CPL aims to transform into a national-scale firm operating under a unified CPL brand. This expansion will be guided by a continued commitment to operational excellence, ensuring that the company maintains its high-quality service standards while achieving attractive growth in healthcare, education, municipal, and industrial markets.
GHK’s Perspective on the Acquisition
Gil Klemann, Managing Partner of GHK, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with CPL. Over the past 50 years, CPL has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor to asset owners navigating complex, multi-site facility networks with highly specific client needs. Todd and his team have built an impressive business, supported by a passionate and entrepreneurial staff, that is purpose-built for growth.
“The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector is evolving rapidly,” Klemann continued. “CPL’s embrace of technology and its ambition to build a leading national firm is compelling. We look forward to working alongside the CPL leadership team to execute our shared vision while preserving the culture and exceptional customer service that define CPL.”
CPL Leadership’s Vision for the Future
Todd Liebert, Chairman and CEO of CPL, also shared his excitement about the partnership with GHK. He noted, “We are extremely pleased to partner with GHK, who bring both a disciplined and thoughtful approach to building companies. They understand our business, value our culture, and share our belief that long-term success comes from investing in people, strengthening capabilities, and serving clients well.
“Their experience working alongside leadership teams like ours complements the depth of expertise we have developed at CPL over the last five decades,” Liebert added. “Together, we are well-positioned to grow with purpose while continuing to deliver high-quality work for our clients and the communities they serve.”
Focus on People, Culture, and Client Service
Central to CPL’s growth strategy is its commitment to maintaining a strong company culture and prioritizing client service. Both GHK and CPL recognize that the long-term success of the firm depends on retaining and nurturing top talent, investing in training and development, and fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment.
The combination of GHK’s financial resources and strategic guidance with CPL’s operational expertise and long-standing client relationships will enable the company to continue innovating in its service offerings, expand into new markets, and strengthen its national presence.
Advisors and Legal Representation
GHK was advised on the transaction by Morrissey Goodale and AEC Advisors LLC, and received legal representation from Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. CPL was represented by Harter Secrest & Emery LLP. These advisory teams played a critical role in facilitating a smooth transaction and ensuring alignment between both organizations on strategic growth objectives.
Outlook for the AEC Sector
The acquisition comes at a pivotal moment in the AEC industry, where technology, sustainability, and integrated service delivery are increasingly shaping client expectations. Firms that can combine multidisciplinary expertise with operational efficiency and technological innovation are positioned for significant growth.
CPL, with its robust service offerings, regional reach, and dedication to client satisfaction, is well-equipped to capitalize on these industry trends. The partnership with GHK provides the additional capital, strategic insight, and M&A capabilities necessary to scale the business nationally while continuing to lead in core markets.
Commitment to Long-Term Value Creation
Both GHK and CPL have emphasized that their collaboration will focus on long-term value creation. By balancing growth with operational excellence, the partnership aims to enhance the client experience, strengthen the company’s market position, and generate sustainable returns for stakeholders.
As CPL expands into new geographies and end-markets, the firm remains committed to delivering thoughtful, high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients. This combination of ambition and strategic planning underscores the shared vision of GHK and CPL to build a leading national firm in architecture, engineering, and design services.
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