Turner Construction Acquires Dornan for European Growth
Turner Construction, the international construction services company, has acquired Dornan Engineering, the specialist in mechanical and electrical engineering for advanced technology projects.
Combining Turner’s construction expertise with Dornan’s technology skills, this strategic move positions Turner to capitalise on the growing demand for advanced technology projects across Europe.
Turner Construction is a subsidiary of Germany’s largest construction company Hochtief and part of the ACS Group, the Spanish multinational company specialising in construction and engineering.
Whilst Dornan is a specialist in delivering services on complex large-scale projects for clients including data centres and biopharma facilities, also commencing projects in the industrial, healthcare, commercial, aviation and education sectors.
Turner’s expansion plans are targeted on data centres, biopharmaceutical facilities and other complex large-scale projects in the advanced technology sector.
The acquisition of Doran will enable Turner to make a leap in its global growth strategy and enable it to compete more effectively in the European market for complex engineering projects.
Both aims feeding into Turner’s identified US$20bn worth of advanced technology project opportunities in Europe from acquiring Dornan.
Turner Construction: strengthening advanced technology capabilities
Since it was founded in 1902, Turner has been gradually expanding its international presence.
The company has been a cornerstone of the American construction industry and is known for its iconic projects from contributing to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, that stands at 2,717 feet tall, and the United Nations Secretariat Building, which serves as the administrative centre for the UN.
Meanwhile, Dornan, with its 1,000-strong workforce and projected 2024 turnover of US$760m, brings a wealth of expertise in data centre and biopharmaceutical facility construction.
This acquisition is indicative of a broader trend in the global construction industry, where major players are seeking to expand their geographical footprint and technical capabilities through strategic acquisitions.
Driven by the increasing complexity of projects worldwide, particularly in the advanced technology sector, this consolidation aims to meet demands for projects on a bigger and more technologically enhanced scale.
Turner Construction’s strategic implications for global building projects
For Turner, this acquisition not only enhances its service offering in Europe, but also complements its existing operations in the Netherlands and Spain.
The combined entity will be better positioned to serve multinational clients who are expanding their operations across Europe and beyond.
Moreover, the deal aligns with the strategic objectives of Turner's parent company, Hochtief, and the broader ACS Group.
The ACS Group of companies has 140,000 employees worldwide and achieved a revenue of €35.7bn (US$38.9bn) in 2023, meaning Turner is well-supported in its ambitions for European expansion.
Peter Davoren, President and CEO of Turner Construction Company, emphasised the strategic importance of the acquisition: "Dornan brings incredible strength to Turner and is an important part of Turner's strategy to serve clients wherever their needs are.
The combination of Turner and Dornan will enable us to offer a broader range of services and solutions that our clients seek in Europe."
Brian Acheson, CEO of Dornan, added: "Our employees and clients will benefit greatly as Dornan joins the Turner family of businesses. Our clients will continue to enjoy the same level of superior service as we deliver complex technical projects within time and on budget.
They will also benefit from the increased scale of Dornan as part of a combined group with over $18 billion of turnover."
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