Spanish infrastructure and renewable energy company Acciona has agreed to acquire an 80% stake in Vertical Earth, a Georgia-based heavy civil contractor, strengthening its position in the fast-growing U.S. infrastructure market.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close before the end of 2026, pending customary approvals.
Atlanta to become strategic U.S. infrastructure hub
Acciona said the acquisition will establish Atlanta as the strategic headquarters for expanding its North American infrastructure operations. The company expects the partnership to enhance its ability to self-perform major civil construction projects while strengthening relationships with regional suppliers and expanding its local workforce.
The move also gives Acciona a stronger presence in the Southeast, where federal and state investments continue to drive demand for transportation and infrastructure projects.
Vertical Earth brings regional expertise
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Cumming, Georgia, Vertical Earth specializes in heavy civil construction and infrastructure projects throughout Georgia and Florida.
According to Acciona, the company generated $217 million in revenue during 2025 and employs more than 600 people.
As part of the agreement, Brett Johnson, Vertical Earth’s founder and CEO, will continue to lead the business while retaining a 20% ownership stake.
Part of broader construction industry consolidation
The acquisition reflects the ongoing wave of mergers and acquisitions across the U.S. construction industry, particularly in infrastructure, transportation and water sectors. International contractors continue to pursue acquisitions that provide established local operations, experienced workforces and stronger regional market access.
Acciona said the U.S. remains one of the world’s most attractive infrastructure markets, accounting for roughly 20% of global infrastructure activity. The company also cited continued transportation investments in the Southeast as a key driver behind the acquisition.
“Vertical Earth brings deep local knowledge, proven project experience and strong technical capabilities that complement Acciona’s global infrastructure expertise,” said Carlos Planelles, managing director of Acciona’s Infrastructure Unit in North America. “This transaction reinforces our confidence in the U.S. market and strengthens our ability to deliver large-scale, complex infrastructure projects.”
Growing presence in Georgia
Acciona is already active on several major U.S. infrastructure projects, including Georgia’s $4.6 billion State Route 400 Express Lanes project, where it is part of a joint venture with ACS Infrastructure and Meridiam.
The addition of Vertical Earth is expected to further strengthen the company’s ability to compete for large transportation and civil infrastructure contracts throughout the Southeast.
