Wed, 15 Apr 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
UK-based Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) firm Phenna Group has expanded with the acquisition of a geotechnical testing, inspection and engineering services provider based in the US.
Based in Austin, Texas, MLA Geotechnical was founded in 1964 and supports a wide range of clients, including commercial developers, municipalities, homebuilders, school districts and government agencies. The group provides specialist expertise in soil conditions, testing and forensic analysis and engineering services.
Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group’s acquisition of MLA Geotechnical is its ninth deal of the year so far. The purchase is designed to enhance the group’s US geotechnical capabilities, while expanding its footprint into the southwestern region of the US.
Eric D'Orio, divisional MD, Americas, called MLA Geotechnical “a standout business in the Central Texas market, with a long-established reputation and deep technical understanding of local ground conditions.”
D’Orio added that MLA Geotechnical’s “strong client relationships and consistent delivery make them a natural fit for our Americas division.”
He continued: "This partnership strengthens our presence in a key high-growth region and creates a strong foundation to expand further across Texas and the wider southwestern US, while continuing to support MLA's team with the resources and expertise of the wider group."
Phil Marshall, chief executive of Phenna Group, added: "MLA Geotechnical is a highly respected business with deep technical expertise and strong customer relationships in a key US growth market. This acquisition strengthens our Infrastructure division in the Americas and expands our geotechnical capabilities into the southwestern United States.”
MLA Geotechnical Chief Executive Tim Weston said that Phenna Group’s “experience in supporting specialist businesses, combined with their long-term approach to collaboration and investment, makes them the right partner for our team, our clients and our future."
Phenna Group has established itself as one of the most acquisitive operators in the TICC space over recent years, acquiring providers across a number of industries and a range of geographies.
Its recent acquisitions include the takeover of kitchen ventilation compliance and fats, oils and grease (FOG) management services specialist Ventilate last month and its December 2025 purchases of Lancashire firm Essential Food Hygiene and Spanish renewable energy specialist 4fores. The latter two acquisitions represented the group’s 24th and 25th takeovers of 2025, respectively.
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