Vertex acquires expert witness firm Breakwater Forensics to boost consulting capabilities

Vertex Companies, an architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firm owned by Wind Point Partners, has acquired Chicago-based Breakwater Forensics for an undisclosed price.

Known for its expert witness and business consulting services, Breakwater Forensics bolsters Vertex’s roster of technical experts and broadens its forensic consulting and expert testimony capabilities. Vertex is an industry-leading, multidisciplinary AEC company that provides a range of services, including forensics, engineering, construction project advisory, and environmental consulting.

Bill McConnell, CEO of Vertex, marked the acquisition as a significant milestone. “Today, we celebrate a significant milestone as we welcome Breakwater to the Vertex team, and we congratulate the owners on the exceptional business they have built,” McConnell said. “This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting journey together as we combine our expert services, office platform, and mutual dedication to bettering outcomes for our clients, colleagues, and communities.”

Vertex expands expertise and services with Breakwater Forensics acquisition. Photo courtesy of The Vertex Companies, LLC/PRNewswire.

Bringing with it a wealth of expertise in damages, scheduling, and government contracts, Breakwater Forensics enhances Vertex’s team significantly. Nathan Brown, Managing Director at Wind Point, recognized this: “Strengthening our forensics presence and expert bench are key steps within the Vertex value creation plan. The Breakwater team has created an outstanding business, and this combination comes with great upside for Vertex, Breakwater and our collective customers and employees.”

Breakwater Forensics’ co-founders, Joseph Egan and Neil Miltonberger, along with Sashi Mahtani and Dayna Anderson, echoed similar sentiments. In a joint statement, they elaborated, “With Vertex, our team will continue to bring the technical excellence our clients have come to rely on while expanding the breadth of our services.”

Looking ahead, Vertex will continue to seek acquisitions that align with its strategic vision and commitment to clients. Jeff Picard, Chief Strategy Officer of Vertex, underscored this point, saying, “The addition of the amazing team at Breakwater represents our continued commitment to add value for our clients and create opportunities for our employees. We have been fortunate to have a partner in Wind Point that shares our vision and growth strategy, as we continue to expand as an industry leader.”